We Would Never Meet Again

For the ninety-ninth time, Clara Summer confessed her love and for the ninety-ninth time, she was rejected. After that, she gave her brother her blessing, "Brother, I wish you and your girlfriend a lifetime of happiness."

Ian Cumberland looked at Clara in surprise. "This is the first time you've called me 'brother' since my mom adopted you."

Clara's smile filled with sadness because she had already died. She had made a deal with a system and it granted her seven days to tie up loose ends before it disappeared forever.

——

As she sat alone on the couch, she stared at the remains of a shattered birthday cake, its colorful layers smeared across the floor.

She had been on her way back after buying a birthday cake for Ian’s birthday when a truck came barreling toward her. Then, it was darkness.

Everything was like a dream.

A rush of cold air suddenly came inside the door as Ian pushed open the door and entered. His voice was laced with irritation, "Did you call me all the way here just for this? Haven't I told you already that Rea is sick and I need to take care of her? So, I won't celebrate my birthday this year."

Clara slowly stood up, but her gaze still fixed on the ruined cake on the floor. "I called you because I have something important to say."

"What could possibly be so important?" he asked. His expression turned gloomy as impatient and tiredness appeared in his eyes.

"I've told you that Rea is sick and as her boyfriend, I need to be there for her. Are you throwing a tantrum just to get my attention?" he asked angrily.

"Let me warn you, Clara! If you keep acting out, you can leave the Cumberland Family!" After he said that, he stormed into his room and slammed the door behind him.

Clara just stood there as she watched his retreating figure. In a voice barely above a whisper, she murmured, "Ian … there won't be next time for me, because I've already dead."

However, of course, no one heard her whisper.

She sank back onto the couch as memories flooded her mind.

Actually, she was not Ian's biological sister. When she was four years old, her grandmother, who was her living relative, passed away. Ian's mother took her in and raised her as part of the family.

Back then, she had been shy and withdrawn and often hid in the attic. However, Ian had sought her out every day to play. He also brought her a variety of toys and gifts, trying to make her smile.

He had once promised her with unwavering confidence, "I'll stay with you during the day and my toys will keep you company. Clara, you’ll never be alone again. I’ll always be by your side."

He did keep his word. From the time she was four years old until now, Ian has been a constant presence in her life. He would drive her to and from school, without fail and give her after-school tutoring.

When Clara was in middle school, she was nearly assaulted by a few playboys at the banquet she attended. Ian was in a rage that he had gone berserk. If Mrs. Cumberland, his mother, had not tried with all her might to stop him, Ian would kill one of them at that time.

Since then, everyone knew Clara was an important person in Ian's heart and could not be touched.

To Clara, Ian is like a god who has descended from the heavens to save her.

She was completely in love. She had confessed countless times. She crafted rings from soda can tabs, woven grass and strings, each a symbol of her devotion. Each time, he had rejected her without hesitation.

This year, on his birthday, she tried one last time. However, this time, he exploded in fury. For the first time, he truly lashed out at her and tore her love letter right in front of her.

From that moment on, he deliberately distanced himself by staying out late to avoid her. Before long, he brought home a girl named Rea Jefferson, his so-called true love.

The night Clara died in the car accident, she had desperately called Ian over and over again, but each was hung up harshly.

When one was finally picked up, the voice on the other end wasn’t his voice but Rea. "Clara, Ian is in the shower right now. He’s busy. He doesn’t have time to talk to you."

Then, without waiting for a response, Rea hung up.

Pain ripped through Clara’s chest, suffocating her. Her vision blurred as agony engulfed her entire being and then, she took her final breath.