Explanation

As the evening unfolded, laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone savored their meals. I watched as Emily, with a knowing smile, served Lance his favorite dishes, a gesture that left me puzzled. How did she seem to know him so well?The joyous atmosphere quickly dimmed for me, overshadowed by a sense of unease. Emily's actions, coupled with the silent tension among the others, especially Mr. Han and Jayden, made me feel like an outsider in my own gathering.Struggling to comprehend my conflicting emotions, I excused myself and sought refuge in the restroom. Alone with my thoughts, I splashed water on my face, hoping to calm the storm of feelings inside me. But the tears that followed betrayed my inner turmoil.A knock on the door startled me, and through it came Lance's voice, offering an escape from the discomfort. "Come out, let's leave," he said, a lifeline in that moment of confusion.Grateful for the reprieve, I wiped away my tears and rejoined the group, exchanging polite goodbyes before departing. As we drove back home, I couldn't shake off the lingering sense of not belonging, amplified by the grandparents' well-meaning yet unwelcome invitation to return. It was becoming clear that Mr. Han harbored some dislike towards me, adding another layer of complexity to the evening's revelations."Lance," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the hum of the car's engine.He remained silent, his eyes fixed on the road ahead."Lance?" I repeated, a note of urgency creeping into my tone, but still, he offered no response.Frustration welled up inside me as he abruptly pulled the car to a stop, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. "Just stop," he snapped, his tone sharp with irritation, cutting through the tense silence.Tears pricked at my eyes, my heart heavy with unspoken questions. I made a move to leave the car, seeking solace in the cool night air, but Lance's firm grip on my arm stopped me."I'm sorry," he sighed, his voice softening slightly. "I've had a lot on my mind lately."His apology did little to ease my turmoil. The unanswered questions about Emily and Mr. Han lingered, casting a shadow over our strained conversation.Lance brushed away my tears with a gentle touch, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and guilt. "Let's head home," he suggested, his voice tinged with weariness.Arriving home, Lance dropped me off at the doorstep before hurriedly excusing himself, citing work as his reason for leaving so abruptly. I knew it was more than just work; there was a palpable tension hanging between us, laden with unspoken truths.Days turned into nights, each passing moment filled with an eerie silence. Lance's nightly texts became my only connection to him, each message a reminder of his absence and the growing distance between us.Alone in the empty house, my thoughts consumed me. Aunty Su's absence added to the sense of isolation, leaving me to navigate my fears and uncertainties alone. Only Uncle Lee's return provided a semblance of company, his presence a fleeting comfort in the midst of my solitude.One night, a dream of Lance's rose garden beckoned to me, a vivid reminder of the beauty and secrets hidden within its blooms. Determined to unravel the mysteries shrouding our lives, I resolved to visit the garden at first light, hoping to find answers amidst the petals and whispers of the past._ROSE_...