In My Desperate Time

I am surprised at how empty the drawer is.
There is only one photo inside.
One single photo.
However, it startles me.
Judging from the rim of the photo, it's the one I saw in Frances’ study last time.
Didn't he throw it into the trash can? Did he lie, or does he have a backup?
I don't know.
I can't think straight now.
Because the person in the photo really shocks me.
Actually, I have guessed that this photo might contain Frances' secrets.
Perhaps, it's about his secret love in the past.
However, I haven't expected the person in the photo to be me.
To be exact, it was me ten years ago.
If I haven't seen this photo, I would have forgotten that I had days like that.
Ten years ago, I was only fourteen years old and was a sophomore in junior high school.
Back then I was a famous bad ass in the school. I spent every day with those so-calls cool guys because I thought that they
were loyal to friends.
And because of my good grades and pretty face, the teachers never said anything about it.
In the photo, I am wearing a ponytail and talking to the people next to me.
It was obviously taken secretly.

However, I don't understand why Frances has this photo.
Did he ask someone to investigate me? Or did he know me before?
As I am pondering over it, here comes Frances’ voice.
"What are you looking at?"
I pick up the photo subconsciously, stand up, and stare at him in confusion.
"Why do you have my photo?"
Frances suddenly becomes serious as he looks at me, somewhat nervous.
After a while, he says to me in a deep voice.
"You really can't remember?"
What should I remember?
I am even more puzzled.
Frances' expression becomes even stranger.
And it looks even a little gloomy.
Is it because I've peeked at the photo or is it because that I forget something I should remember?
After a moment of silence, he sighs helplessly.
"You really can't remember. It seems that I'm the only one that still holds onto it now."
What does he mean by that?
I'm tortured by curiosity.
I can't help but ask in a commanding tone, "Tell me. What on earth is going on?"
"Let me take you to a place first."

Frances holds my hand and is about to lead me out. He takes back the photo back by the way.
"What the hell is going on? Can you tell me now? I'm going crazy."
I almost beg.
Curiosity can really kill.
And how can I suppress my curiosity as it has something to do with me and Frances?
But Frances ignores my pleading and remains silent. He just takes me into the car and drives away.
"Frances, I swear to God I won't let you get away with it after I know the truth."
He turns to look at me and doesn't say anything. He drivers faster instead.
Along the way, I have been tortured by my curiosity. But I have to suppress it and patiently wait till we arrive at the destination.
Finally, the car stops at the restaurant where I used to come when I was in junior high school.
Why does he bring me here?