Jared halted right in front of me, but I couldn't bring myself to look up.
"It's your turn, Yvette."
I felt the urge to cry but was also grateful to Rachel for sending him my way.

"It's getting late. You should get some rest. You can have the bed," I said, then quickly grabbed my clothes and rushed past him into the bathroom.
Remembering our last encounter, I avoided any mischief this time.
I removed my makeup and washed my face multiple times. After showering, I put on my thickest pajamas and mussed up my hair, satisfied with the reflection staring back at me from the mirror.
I lingered in the bathroom for a long time, thinking it would be better to wait until he was asleep. However, things didn't go exactly as planned since a sudden knock sounded, startling me out of my wits.
"Yvette, my clothes are still in there. I need to wash them after you're done."
That's when I noticed the men's underwear in the bag.

'Does he really need them right now?' I mused. My mind felt like it was spinning.
"Yvette?"
"Okay!" I called out, deciding not to dwell on it too much.
"Yvette, your hair is so messy."

'I know. You don't have to tell me,' I thought to myself before adding, "It's fine. Just do what you need to and try to get some rest soon."
"I'm tired, Yvette."
I immediately dove under the covers.
When the bathroom sounds ceased, and the light snapped off, I could hear footsteps approaching me slowly.
Jared crouched beside me and said, "You should sleep on the bed, Yvette. You're on your period, right? The floor is too cold for you."
His words nearly overwhelmed me, especially when I realized I had forgotten to empty the trash can. He could have ignored it, yet he chose to mention it!
I remained completely still, feigning sleep.
"Yvette, if you're asleep, I'll carry you to bed."
Jared often said things that took me by surprise. So, I pretended to wake up and yawned. "It's nothing." As I spoke, I subtly shifted, steering clear of further discussion.
Though part of me longed to seize this moment, I knew I should focus on working hard and striving for a better life.
In the quiet darkness, moonlight cast the shadows of swaying branches against the white wall. The sounds of insects and a distant school bell filled the air.
Jared had so many choices and should truly experience the feeling of youth. He could choose me, but I couldn't choose him.
Looking at him, I couldn't help but admire how stunning he was. A smile crossed my face as sleep began to take over.
In a half-dream state, I heard him whisper, "In just a year, I'll be an adult. I hope you can wait for me."
I woke in the middle of the night to find he had kicked off his blanket. Gently, I covered him again.
That night, I had a vivid dream. I dreamt I had won the lottery, and when I went to claim my prize, it was Jared.
Though I thought the winnings would end my financial struggles, seeing Jared made me equally happy.
Excitedly, I brought him home. In the dream, the age gap and our financial status didn't matter.
I clung to him, fearing someone else might take him away. Despite life's challenges, I was ready to support him until he reached adulthood.
When he finally came of age, we married. That year, he was 22, and I was 30.