Back then, I didn’t even get a single cent of compensation after our divorce.
Now I need nothing from her anymore. Yet she came to me and said she wanted to give me compensation herself.
“Baby, I called you just now. Why didn’t you answer me? Who are you talking to?”
While I was still stunned, a young man wearing a light-apricot hoodie bounced over and grabbed Patricia’s arm.
When he saw that I was there, his smile froze for a second before quickly returning. “Robert, it’s you! We haven’t seen each other for so many years. How about we have a meal together?”
I didn't even have the chance to react, but Tobias grabbed my arm enthusiastically.
“Robert, we’ve been looking for you for the past six years. There was never any news from you. Even your old coworkers thought you went abroad. Where have you been?” he talked loudly.
I looked quietly at the young guy in front of me, he had changed a lot I almost couldn’t recognize him.
Tobias Wilbur was much simpler back then. He had dark skin, simple clothes and eyes like a frightened fawn. He was a poor student. After six years under Patricia’s careful care, he had already grown into a bright, shining sunflower.
I gave a distant but polite smile. “I did go abroad.”
“Really?” Tobias stared with wide, surprised eyes. “But Robert, I went to look for you several times back then. They all said that after the divorce you went back to the countryside…”
Tobias seemed to say whatever came to his mind, but before he finished, Patricia cut him off. “Enough. Don’t talk about the past.”
Patricia affectionately ruffled his hair. “Eat the little cake I bought you. If you don’t eat it soon, it’ll melt.”
Tobias ate the cake while continue speaking in between chews. “Robert, it was truly difficult to find you until today. Let us treat you to a meal, okay?”
“As for what happened back then, well, I know you hate us. But you were very good to me. You sponsored my four years of university studies. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am today…” Tobias looked very sincere, as if refusing would make me seem ungrateful.
So, I looked down at my watch and saw that it was still early. “Alright, but I only have an hour and a half.”
Patricia and Tobias chose the restaurant. On the way, the young man kept chattering nonstop and even fed Patricia cake by mouth.
Because I was there, Patricia felt awkward. She grabbed his restless hand. “Behave a little, won't you? Rob is watching.”
Tobias playfully stuck out his tongue. “Sorry, Robert. We’ve been married for a few years now and we’re used to acting like this. Sometimes we can’t even stop ourselves from kissing on the street. Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable.”
I calmly watched the flash of provocation and pride in his eyes and simply smiled. “It’s fine. After all, when you were in university, you already couldn’t control yourself at my house with her. I got used to it.”
The atmosphere instantly froze. Tobias and Patricia both looked slightly embarrassed. I, however, stayed calm and kept walking.
Before reaching the restaurant, we passed a fireworks shop. Tobias’s interest was instantly stirred. He insisted on dragging Patricia inside.
“Baby, didn’t you say you were going to set off fireworks across the whole city for my birthday in three days? I want to choose the style first… Robert, you don’t mind, right?”
I smiled. “I don’t mind.”
But Patricia gave me a meaningful look, then turned to pick a firework. “This one, ‘Tears of the Sea.’”
I froze. Memories I had almost forgotten rushed back all at once.
Patricia once loved me very much. We dated for four years and were married for six.
