A Life Debt Repaid

As their eyes met, Sam turned frantic and averted his. “Of course.”
“Really?” Quinn asked.
“Would I lie to you?” Sam asked a little grumpily.
“And you didn’t bring her back?” Quinn asked.
“I’m on a schedule, and it’d be taxing for her if I bought her along,” Sam said, making things up as he went along. “I’ll bring her
along when things are less busy.”
“Is she pretty?” Quinn pressed.
“What, have I ever picked an ugly one?” Sam snorted smugly. “You know I prefer curvaceous types, and there are plenty of those
abroad.”
“Do you have a photo?”
Sam was silent for a while and eventually said, “Yeah.” “Can I see it?”
“What, does she have to pass your assessment?”
“Just curious about the girl who can tempt you to settle down,” Quinn replied.
“You’d be humbled.” Sam hastily came up with an excuse.
“I won’t,” Quinn said, determined.
“You’ll see her when I bring her home.” Sam refused nonetheless.
“I would like to see a photo now.”
“No, she’s not that photogenic. It’d be slander against her.” “Why do you keep refusing? Because there’s no such person?
IV “Do you think I’m not over you, Quinn?” Sam snapped in annoyance. “Don’t worry, I’m very detached and I’d never cling to
you.”
“When did you ever cling to me?” She suddenly flashed a lonely smile.

It hurt Sam to see her like that, but he did not let it show.
Quinn was now far beyond his reach.
He suddenly got up. “I need the washroom.”
Quinn pursed her lips, quietly watching as he left.
In the washroom, Sam kept his head lowered over the sink and kept washing his hands repeatedly and thoughtlessly.
Bob strode over, turning off the tap. “You’d wash off your skin at this rate.”
Sam nodded as Bob handed him paper towels. “Thanks.” “Honestly, why hurt yourself like this? Fight for her if you love her,” Bob
said, leaning against the wall and watching Sam dry his hands, but he still kept his head down.
Sam did not say a word, since there was no way he could deceive his best friends.
“Come on-the banquet’s starting,” Bob said, refraining from pressuring the issue. ‘Can’t miss a brother’s happy day.”
Sam nodded in silence but did not appear inclined to leave.
“Let’s go,” Bob urged.
“Give me a minute,” Sam said.
Bob frowned and suddenly saw tears rolling down Sam’s cheeks.
He had never seen Sam cry-he would never break down into tears even if he bled.
Pursing his lips, Bob stepped outside to wait.
It was exactly because they were friends that he should give Sam space.
Minutes later, Sam stepped out, looking calm and showing zero misery, let alone tear stains.
It was as if he had been perfectly fine, and it was not him in the washroom just now.
“Come on.” He beckoned at Bob and headed toward the banquet hall.