Chapter 404: Lighthouse
Others treated wealth, fame, careers, houses, secrets, or family as their treasure. But for Zoren, his only treasure—before Penny came back into his life—was the memories of her. They were the only good thing that had ever happened to him, and he cherished and recorded them so he would never forget her.
He had even built an amusement park inspired by their shared memories. So, the mere thought of someone peeking into his treasure and using it against him felt like a mortal sin. And yet, on the outside, Zoren appeared as calm as a lake.
"Maybe it was the vitamins," he said, lying flat on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I feel sleepy instead."
Instead of going out to get answers tonight, Zoren lay there in bed, his eyelids heavy, feeling like he would fall asleep soon. This was unusual. Normally, Zoren wouldn’t sleep after someone tried to touch what was his. Even when he wanted to let it be, his mind and heart wouldn’t let him.
But tonight was different.
The corner of his lips curled up. "Or maybe it’s because I know she’ll come here."
Slowly, Zoren closed his eyes as the quiet night lulled him to sleep. Though his mind remained active for a while, his body began to relax.
Eventually, Zoren fell asleep on his own, without fainting, without forcing it, and without taking any pills.
Despite the things he had learned that night, it still ended peacefully.
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At the break of dawn, Zoren regained consciousness even before opening his eyes. The first thought that crossed his mind was...
’Strange,’ he mused as his eyes slowly cracked open. ’I didn’t dream of her tonight.’