No Strings Attached

Clara had long been tired of staying at home every day, unable to sleep at the mere thought of going out. Her eyes were wide open throughout the entire journey, curiously observing the city's night scene as they drove.

The car meandered from the city to the suburbs, and the winding mountain roads finally rocked Clara to a drowsy state. After what seemed like an eternity, she heard lan calling her. "Honey, we're here." Clara opened her sleepy eyes to darkness, with countless twinkling stars at the end of it.

The sky was pitch black, and the night was silent. Gone were the city's clamors, replaced by the faint chirping of insects.

Only then did Clara realize they were parked on top of a mountain. Above them was an endless night sky. She stared at lan, ecstatic. "lan, where is this?"

lan took her hand as they stepped out of the car, pointing towards a viewing platform ahead. "This is the best place in Northbridge to stargaze. There's a telescope over there. You should take a look." The night air was chilly in the mountains, so he draped a jacket over Clara's shoulders and led her to the platform.

The platform was encircled by colorful lights. The dazzling lights flashed before Clara's eyes, much like the stars above. Clara slowly walked up to the platform, and just as she was about to peer through the telescope, she noticed a letter on the table. It was written in lan's bold handwriting.

[To No. 11, personally.]

Clara looked puzzledly at lan. He smiled, tilting his chin slightly as if to encourage her to continue.

Clara's heart raced. She didn't know how lan knew about the secret of No. 11, nor did she know what the letter contained. But judging by the wear of the envelope, it seemed to be years old. Clara couldn't wait to open it.

The first line brought her to tears.

[No. 11, I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. I didn't want to see you sad. I've gone abroad for an eye treatment and should return in a month, Thope you overcome your demons soon. Here's my address and phone number, hoping to see you sooner No. 99.]

Only now did Clara understand that No. 99 hadn't abandoned her. He had left her a letter that she never received. He had even left his address and phone number.

With this realization, Clara's tears flowed unceasingly. Had she seen this letter back then, she would have definitely sought him out.

She and lan wouldn't have had to wait so many years to see each other again. Nor would there have been so many misunderstandings.

lan slowly approached. His slender

fingers gently wiped her tears. His voice was low and deep. "No. 11, I've never looked down on you, nor have I ever left without saying goodbye. T left this letter thinking you would come looking for me once you got better, but I waited a long time without seeing you. I went to the sanatorium to inquire, only to find out you had been discharged long ago."

"All these years, I've been searching for you. Thankfully, we met again three years ago, and now you're my wife. You're not just the girl I've known since childhood but also the No. 11 I've been waiting for. "Clara, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, causing you so much distress and misunderstanding about your intentions with me.

"Can you forgive your Mr. Nine?"

When she heared this, Clara's tears flowed even more fiercely. Sobbing, she said, "lan, why do you keep making me cry, huh? How did you find out I was No. 11?"