Xiao Mai slowly crossed the hall and stood before Jin's room. Her mind was filled with expectations of all sorts after she realised ever since she has been back in this mansion that she did not have the time to have a look at the inside. No one had mentioned anything about this place which reminded so much of the capable guy who was now probably not much bothered of his status in this grand residence. She wondered where was his actual abode now? Could it be his private apartment he had taken her to? Seemed like it but his belongings there were few...

She thought it would be useless guessing with her feeble imaginations and hesitantly opened the door. She entered and was caught astounded by what greeted her eyes. She did not want to believe this, yet denial wouldn't last long enough than her unwilling acceptance. It was all emptiness she found herself in the midst of. Echos of her footsteps resounded clear and loud as she trotted down the smooth bright marbled floor so much that they gave her a creepy feeling. She was facing plain walls, corridors and the high ceiling in a bedroom suite devoid of any furniture. Things that she was accustomed to see whenever she spent time here with Jin were all gone. Where to and who gave the order for them to be sent away?? Could they still be hidden in some inconspicuous corner waiting for her to reclaim them? Xiao Mai, are you being too naive? She took off her high-heels, frustrated at any unnecessary amount of noise they created to mess with her memories. Throwing them to the other end of the room, she thought she could fight back the tough visual reality puncturing annoying gaps in her train of thought. How could she get on with this game of pursuing the next stage of her fairytale happiness? She got down on her knees and sat discontentedly on the floor, silently picturing that a dream future might collaspe just any time like the castle jigsaw on her bedside table. Jin left her alone to fend for herself, with only words to ask for her trust in return. How she wished that she could offer him a guarantee unconditionally, but she was already envisioning herself grasping onto sinking branches. Tears could not save a far-reaching future, so she cautioned herself from crying and instead lifted her gaze to the opened balcony ahead. Even sunshine seeping into the poorly-lit room did not resemble her low spirit. She got up and ventured with a heavy heart to the outside.

Summer breeze sent her light tresses flying in the dew-scented air. It was just like the year before, when she was back here with Jin by her side. Only that, she was witnessing a view past sunrise now while nature provided them both a charming sunset to enjoy before. Time changed unpredictably but she still instinctively scanned for a comfortable seat close by. Her longing won over this instant as a pair of stools were still left untouched in front of the sliding glass door. Xiao Mai was overwhelmingly grateful for this surviving trace of hope.

Reaching out to it, there was even something else reflecting the persistent sun's glare that caught her eyes. Feeling it, she was all thankful after recognising Jin's familiar handwriting. A letter addressed to her - yes, especially to Xiao Mai. She wasted no time in opening it and read what was meant for her.

"Dear Xiao Mai,

I know, by the time you saw this message, you would have discovered my leaving. Many things would have turned different, as you move on, but they are almost impossible to ignore. Without me reminding you, I could sense you will still be inclined to stay strong when faced with the mists of confusion. Do I need to apologise? I am sure you can hear me uttering in my heart before sadness advances to turn off your laughter. Even when times are no longer like what they were before, I could simply put a stop at whatever I am doing, sit back, close my eyes - and there I saw the past playing out right before me. I will, continue to marvel at how each scene of our moments together touches deeply every living string of my heart.

Xiao Mai, what matter are not situations which change at the start of every single sunrise, but that which continually keeps you smiling at the sight of every sunset and lives through till the end of your dreams the next dawn. I know, that your lovely face and each word you spoke to me are a part of what we share and promise to hold onto from the beginning. It will remain unchanging...

It's true, that firefly which I passed onto your care has been with me for a longer time than you expected. There's also a reason why fireflies produce their light...What do you think it is for??

Always,

Jin"

Together with the note, Xiao Mai also figured Jin left a picture of the sunset they witnessed from last summer taken at an angle showing herself already fallen asleep on his shoulder at the balcony. A smile then crept onto Xiao Mai's face.