My phone buzzed again and someone mentioned me.
Daniel, Julian's closest friend, was the one who invited me to the group.
[@Wanda, do you girls find men who can fix pipes so attractive? If so, I'll enroll in a repair course tomorrow.]
The group chat went eerily silent.
After some thought, I replied. [It’s not about fixing pipes. What’s manly is someone who steps up whenever they’re needed.]
After sending the message, I left the group chat and sat on the infusion chair.
The autumn night was as cold as water and the boy who had once stood up for me was now shining a light on others.
When Julian called, it was almost dawn.
His voice was a little hoarse, tinged with caution.
"Wanda, are you home yet?"
I glanced at the taxi nearing the hospital entrance and softly replied.
He seemed to relax, then continued, "I'll explain about the group chat later. Stay home, don’t wander off. Wait for me."
I thought that since Julian had said this, he would come back soon.
So, I packed all my things, moved into the apartment my brother had bought for me across the street and then sat at the table waiting for him.
I wasn't waiting for an explanation. I just wanted a proper closure.