He only smiled and didn’t respond. The two of them fixed gazes and time seemed to be coming to a halt. This communication didn’t require speaking, only a harmonization of the souls.

“You have grown old.” She stroked his hair and said. The word “beautiful” when used to describe her smile was an insult.

“Yes, just turned eighteen.” He smiled.

“Is that so?” She chuckled: “You’re not standing that straight anymore. It’s different.”

“What are you saying?” He said.

“Because your responsibilities are getting heavier, an entire epoch is pushing down on you.”...