The car stopped at a red light. The wind blowing through the open window seemed to stir Jarvis's heart.
Jane nodded. "Yes, I'm raising my daughter by myself."
Sensing what Jarvis might say next, she added, "It's tough being on my own, but I'm doing well. Every day is fulfilling."
Seeing the smile on Jane's face, Jarvis smiled too. "That's good, that's good. Where... where do you live?"
He immediately regretted asking. It was rude to inquire about someone's address right away.
Just as Jarvis was awkwardly trying to backtrack, Jane answered calmly, "Near Forest Park."
Jarvis thought for a moment. Forest Park was in the old part of town, with no residential complexes nearby.
That area was mostly for recreation, with shops lining the streets. On second thought, there were residential units above the shops, but those buildings were so old and run-down.
It dawned on Jarvis that Jane and her daughter were not well-off. They were likely renting, and she must have chosen that area because the rent was cheap.
Jarvis's smile faded slightly, a strange feeling welling up inside him. He changed the subject.
Soon, they reached the destination.
Jarvis got out of the car. Jane gave a small wave, treating him just like any other customer, polite but distant.
On the cold street, the city lights twinkled.
The car drove further and further away until it disappeared from sight. Only then did Jarvis pick up his bag and walk toward the dormitory.
That night, he couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, all he saw was Jane's face. He wasn't a young boy anymore. He wouldn't be as impulsive as he used to be, and he knew that he and Jane were in the past.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Abandoned by All I Took It All Back