Chapter 9

As I gazed at Melody hiding behind her parents, I instantly understood everything.

When Melody was seventeen, her parents passed away in an accident.

As old neighbors, my parents took pity on her being all alone,

So they brought her into our home, treating her like their own daughter.

When my mom discovered our high school puppy love, I nearly got a severe scolding.

Afterward, my mom lectured me earnestly, saying I mustn't hurt Melody just because she had no one else, and that I needed to be responsible.

Standing before our family tree, I solemnly declared my deep feelings for Melody,

Which finally made my usually stern mother stop opposing us.

From then on, my parents strictly forbade any improper behavior between us,

Saying we had to wait until Melody came of age to let her decide her own future.

Later, seeing our relationship remain stable years after college graduation, my parents gradually let their guard down.