C38 Memories That Hurt

Arun sat cross-legged on the futon, the room dim except for the flicker of a single bulb. The phone lay on the table, silent now, but its weight seemed heavier than before.

Kenji’s voice still echoed in his ears. Aiko’s gentle concern lingered like a ghost.

He leaned back, staring at the cracked ceiling. For a moment, he let himself remember—not the chaos of now