Chapter 9

"Mom, I'll keep this vest until the day I die. It'll be my burial clothes. I'll wear it when I come to find you, so you must find me, okay?"

The city's countless lights.

Not one shines for me.

The phone rings.

When I answer, two faces appear on the screen.

"Uncle! Aunt!"

I look at the two people I haven't seen in a long time.

"Honey, Chubby was saying why aren't you coming to our place for New Year's? Your aunt misses you so much."

I smile as I look at my aunt.

Uncle grabs the phone.

"Hey, Honey! When are you coming over for dinner? Uncle will make his specialty for you. You used to love coming to uncle's house for meals when you were little."

"No need, uncle. You should enjoy New Year's happily with your family."

"That won't do. If you don't come, I'll bring your aunt to your place to find you."

Looking at my uncle and aunt, I smile and agree to go in a few days.

The phone is passed to Elio.

"It's midnight."

"Honey, Happy New Year."