The alcohol had everyone a bit tipsy.
To Michaelâs left, Adrian held Joelle close.
To Michaelâs right, Allie, having indulged a bit too much, had fallen asleep on Rafaelâs lap.
The wind blew, and the sky was filled with stars.
Joelle observed Michaelâs somber demeanor and was the first to raise her glass.
âHereâs to this tranquil moment and to all of us who have weathered the storm.â
The three men clinked their glasses with Joelle one by one. The noise roused Allie from her slumber as she rubbed her eyes and asked, âAre we heading back to the hotel?â
She had been sleepy for a while. Rafael lifted her in his arms.
âItâs getting late. Iâll take her back first.â
Every story starts at galn ovels ; com Michael stood up, stretching leisurely.
âIâm tired too. I refuse to be the third wheel any longer.â
Adrian chuckled.
âHow about another drink?â
âNo, thanks.â
In the aftermath of Laceyâs passing, Michael felt as though he had imbibed an entire lifetimeâs worth of alcohol.
Alcohol was undeniably a detrimental substance; it had the capacity to strip individuals of their self-control and plunge them into chaos. The most disheartening aspect was that, once sobriety was restored, one still had to confront the harshness of reality.
Michael staggered down the stairs, step by step.
Joelle and Adrian noticed him pause halfway.
Michael stared at the heavens, perhaps believing that the most luminous star was Lacey.
He interlaced his fingers, praying earnestly as he stood beneath the night sky, appearing both isolated and despondent.
People frequently yearn for the unattainable.
Deep down, Michael understood that what he desired was no longer within reach.
Joelle felt a surge of emotion, uncertain whether it was Michaelâs plight or the wind that caused her nose to tingle with impending tears.
Adrian held her shoulder, kissing her forehead.
âJoelle, you must live well, if only for me.â
Joelle nodded, her voice laden with emotion as an unsettling sensation welled up inside her.
Lifeâs unpredictabilities served as a poignant reminder for them to treasure their moments together.
Joelle couldnât let Adrian become another Michael.
On the way back to the hotel, Adrian received a call from Callan.
âMr. Miller, someone has spotted Chris.â
âWhere?â
âSingapore.â
Adrian exchanged a meaningful glance with Joelle. After all this time, they had finally unearthed a promising lead.
.
.
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