twisted turn

I took a deep breath and said to the shop keeper, "Sir. I understand that it is a valuable item. But I'm willing to work for you for free, for a week or a month, if I have to. Please sell it to me."

"Why do you want this music box when you can just have a better music box?" the shopkeeper asked. "It's because" I replied, "the moment I saw the music box, I fell in love with it. I want someone special to me to have it." He smiled and went to the counter, wrapping the music box in a beautiful box.

"You know how expensive this box is, don't you?" the shopkeeper laughed.

I nodded. "I was the reason why someone lost a valuable object, and it means the world to her. I want to give her the finest thing I could ever think of. This is all I can do for her, at least."

I laid all the money I had left in my wallet on the counter.

"It wasn't much, but it was all I could afford at that moment," I told the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper laughed and said, "All right, then you can have this box in exchange for your school ID. You can take your ID back as soon as you can complete the payment."

I took my ID from my pocket and handed it over to the shopkeeper.

"A Saint Palantine Academy?" The shopkeeper said with surprise. "I didn't expect an elite student would visit my humble shop."

"Oh, I don't know about that," I said, smiling. "I'm just a student like anyone else. I'm not someone special just because I go to Saint Palantine Academy."

“infact being a student in that school might be a troublesome”

I wanted to put his mind at ease and show that I wasn't some privileged elite, but rather a normal individual who was grateful for what the shopkeeper was doing for me

He handed over a box wrapped in fancy paper, and I took it.

"Thank you," I said, taking the box

I couldn't believe that the wooden music box was now in my hands. "its yours now my son" the old shopkeeper smiled, and I couldn't help but hug him.

I was grateful for the opportunity to pay for the music box in installments, and I promised myself I would find a way to repay him..

"Thank you so much, Mr. Shopkeeper," I replied, my heart racing with excitement. "I'll be happy to serve you, sir!"

I waved goodbye to the shopkeeper with a big smile on my face as I run out the door, eager to deliver the present to Radia

Suddenly, I remembered that I had left my phone at the cafe. I had to go back to the cafe to retrieve it and thought to myself, "Maybe I can hand this over to Radia." It was already afternoon, so I figured she'd be at the cafe, and I wanted to give her this gift as soon as I could.

I had to hurry to the cafe before she went home, so I rushed as fast as I could.

I hoped that Radia would enjoy her gift and that it would make her day. She was such a kind and thoughtful friend, and I wanted to surprise her with something special.

As soon I reached the café I noticed a sign hanging on the door

"Closed." I thought to myself, but then, I twisted the knob and found the door was open. Inside, I was surprised to see Lesley and Luca at the cafe.

Luca was wearing his school uniform, and I couldn't believe he also went to Saint Palantine Academy.

I stood there silently, watching in disbelief as Lesley suddenly spoke up.

"I've always..." She trailed off and then started again, "I've always liked you, Luca."

Luca pulled Lesley close and gently hugged her.

I I didn't want to interrupt the moment, so I just stood there quietly, feeling emotionally moved by the confession, feeling like an invisible observer. It was almost like I wasn't even there, but watching from a distance.

"It's over," I whispered, and shut the door gently

"Congratulations, my previous love” I looked down and felt tears gently falling down my cheeks.

I remembered the day I first met Lesley. She was standing in the rain, without an umbrella, when I passed by and gave her mine. Because of her, I found this cafe and was able to get a job. Because of her, I had fun, learned new things, and met new friends.

But, I realized, I had to accept the fact that some people were just not meant for each other. And, even if Luca didn't exist, she still wasn't going to choose me.

It was a harsh reality to face, but one that I had to accept.

As I slowly walked away from the café I was crying uncontrollably. I tried to hold them back, but they kept coming.

Then someone called out to me.”Errol?”

I looked up and saw Radia. I wiped my tears away

"I just had my heart broken. You see..." I said, although I wasn't sure if I should be so direct.

"But… I love you!" Radia said in an unexpected and sudden way, as if she had gathered all her courage and conviction to say it.

"I love you, Errol!" She declared

Is she trying to cheer me up? I thought

Her words filled my heart with warmness. I couldn't help but smile warmly in response.

"It’s okay radia. You don't have to try to make me feel better," I said as I took the music box and walked over to Radia.

I handed her the little music box. “I’m sorry I wasn't able to protect your flute" I said, feeling a little sad. "But I want you to have this,"

"This is for you," I said, handing over the gift box.

"Really?"

"Yes, please take it," As I looked closer, I noticed tears in her eyes, like she was about to cry any moment. But I was so wrapped up in my own emotions that I ignored her and handed her the box.

As soon as she took she gently open the music box and beautiful tone and

“Canon in d?”

I started walking past her, not wanting to impose myself too much. But she suddenly called out to me again.

"Errol, wait," she said, as she walked towards me quickly. I turned to face her, not sure what else she wanted to say.

"It wasn't your fault that the flute broke” She seemed like she was about to cry, and her tears would fall any moment, but I was so overwhelmed with my emotions that I didn't notice hers.

I was worried that my gift had somehow upset her. Maybe she had wanted something else?

"Erol, I..." Radia began, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Radia, what's wrong?" I asked, growing anxious.

She took a deep breath and finally blurted out, "Errol, I love you." Radia said, and then she suddenly ran away before I could reply. I was confused by her sudden departure, but I was also touched by her kind words. It felt like she was trying to lift the burden of guilt off my shoulders, and it meant a lot to me.

“she said the same thing trice just to cheer me up?

“Thank you radia….”I whispered as I watched her run away from me

“And I’m sorry…”