Chapter 6

Through the smoky haze, I caught a glimpse of Bruce. I longed to tell my old workmate that I was now alone, with no one left to blame but myself.

Instead, I simply gave a quiet nod, dropped my cigarette, and headed inside.

Bruce's life had stopped at its peak, when he was just twenty-one.

My college days were an improvement from my childhood. Bruce once promised to buy me an Apple computer if his venture succeeded.

I questioned the need for such an expensive item.

He tousled my hair and said, "My Zamari is as lovely as an Apple computer."

Later, I desperately wanted to share news of my new love, but my messages went unanswered.

My advisor eventually took me to the police station. The faceless officers delivered the shocking news that my brother had died, his body vanished without a trace.

I collapsed, clinging to them desperately. Their sympathy turned to frustration, but I didn't care. I sobbed uncontrollably, overwhelmed by grief and powerlessness.

I struggled to breathe.