To surprise my best friend, Serena, I took an early morning flight, arriving at her apartment building by seven. Punching in the code, I let myself in. But Serena, who loved to sleep in, wasn't there. The sound of running water filled the air, and then a man’s voice called from the bathroom: "Door's unlocked. Come in." That voice… it sounded eerily like my husband, Mike. 1 I startled at the sudden, unsettling thought, then quickly dismissed it with a self-deprecating laugh. Voices always sounded distorted in a bathroom, and besides, Mike and Serena had always been at odds. How could they possibly be together? Still, was Serena playing a game this big behind my back? I definitely needed to ask her when she got back. As I was pondering this, the water in the bathroom suddenly stopped. The person inside was turning the doorknob. I quickly turned my back, calling out, "I’m not Serena! It’s Josie, her best friend!" The person inside seemed to freeze. The turning of the doorknob stopped, and no further sound emerged. I felt incredibly awkward. Serena, you sly thing, getting a boyfriend and not telling me! I almost walked in on a live show. I practically bolted for the door. Before I could reach it, the door swung open on its own. Serena stood in the doorway, holding a bag of breakfast, her eyes wide with surprise. "Josie, you’re back early!" I winked at her. "Well, that’s because I’ve already figured out your little secret." Serena was about to reply when she was interrupted by a man’s voice from the bathroom. "Serena, come here!" This voice sounded slightly different from before. Okay, I definitely misheard. My best friend responded and walked towards the bathroom. I, too, instinctively turned my head for a quick glance. A figure wrapped in a bath towel, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted – a perfectly sculpted physique – flashed past. It actually bore a striking resemblance to my husband. What was going on today? Why did Mike keep popping into my head? Was it because I’d been away on a business trip for two months and missed him terribly? Mike was usually quite clingy. Serena often joked that he was my "human shadow," always by my side. This time, when I had to leave for two months, Mike’s face immediately fell into a long, grumpy pout. We had never been apart for so long since we got married, but his company was at a critical stage, so he couldn’t come with me. I had to cajole and persuade him, but I finally managed to cheer him up, though it came with conditions: daily video calls were a must. If he knew I’d returned early and gone to Serena’s apartment first, he would definitely throw a jealous fit. I remembered when Mike and I first got together and I introduced him to Serena. Those two were like oil and water, instantly disliking each other. Serena thought Mike was cold and aloof, lacking any warmth. Mike complained that Serena was noisy and gave him a headache, saying being with her was like being in a bustling fish market. I was constantly caught in the middle, feeling utterly helpless. Later, as they got to know each other better, they started competing for my attention, acting jealous of each other, which always left me amused and exasperated. But now, Serena had a boyfriend, so surely they wouldn’t be like that anymore. The four of us could even go out together. As I blissfully plotted, a sudden muffled thud echoed from Serena’s bedroom. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly went to knock on the door. "Serena, what’s going on?" 2 The sound of the argument ceased, but my hand was aching from knocking, and the door remained stubbornly shut. Fearing something had happened to Serena inside, I was about to kick the door in when it finally opened. Serena stood in the doorway, her eyes red-rimmed. I rushed in to steady her. "What's wrong? Did you argue with your boyfriend?" I glanced around, not seeing the man. "Where is he? Tell me what happened, I’ll help you teach him a lesson!" Serena lowered her head. "Yes, if only you’d come in sooner." Suddenly, a soft beep – the sound of an electronic code lock disengaging. I was about to go check when Serena grabbed my arm. "My boyfriend had an urgent matter, he had to leave." Her bedroom had two doors. It seemed the man had deliberately left through the other door to avoid me. I felt a little displeased. "Serena, are you treating me like an outsider now? You got a boyfriend and didn't tell me, and I almost walked in on the two of you! Who is he, anyway? Do I know him?" Serena leaned against the window, the light casting shadows on her face, making her expression unreadable. "Because of his work, it's not convenient for us to go public yet." My curiosity deepened. "Work? Is he an actor? Don't tell me… it’s Liam Hayes?!" I put on a fan-girl act, and Serena burst out laughing. She pounced on me, covering my mouth. "You gossip queen! Why are you asking so many questions?" After a while, Serena’s mood visibly improved. She said she needed to go to the bathroom to freshen up. I walked to the sofa and had just sat down when I heard a knock at the door. But before I could get up to answer, the door simply opened. "What’s going on? Was the door unlocked?" The delivery driver's voice held a note of confusion. Had Serena’s boyfriend left the door open when he exited? I quickly got up and went over, signing for the package for Serena. My gaze inadvertently swept across the shipping label: a men's sleeping bag? Mike always liked to use a sleeping bag when he slept, cocooning himself like a silkworm. I used to tease him about it, and he’d just rub my head helplessly. "I can’t sleep without a sleeping bag," he’d say. But why would Serena buy a men's sleeping bag? A mysterious boyfriend, a similar build, the same kind of sleeping bag. Everything that happened today felt a little unusual. Even with my generally laid-back nature, I started to feel that something wasn't right. Serena emerged from the bathroom and took the package from my hand. I asked, feigning casualness, "Serena, are you and your boyfriend living together now?" "Sort of," she replied, shaking the package in her hand, her tone utterly candid. "He has trouble sleeping in new places. Your Mike always says a sleeping bag helps him sleep soundly, so I thought I’d buy one for him to try." I inwardly scoffed at myself. What was I thinking? I then teased her. "So good to your boyfriend? But you’re keeping secrets from your best friend, me. Don’t tell me…" Serena paused. "Tell you what?" "Don’t tell me you’re putting him before me now? I'm warning you, I don't agree!" She laughed, linking her arm through mine. "How could I? You’ll always be my best friend!" "That’s more like it." I pulled a gift box from my suitcase and handed it to her. "I ended my business trip early for this. Open it and see." Serena opened the box and froze. 3 Inside was a designer handbag. Serena’s expression became distant, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, her lips trembling slightly. "What’s wrong? You don't like it?" I asked, a hint of trepidation in my voice. "Of course I like it! How did you know?" Serena threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly. Before my trip, I’d overheard her on the phone, mentioning how much she wanted that particular bag. But it was out of stock in Portland. I searched every boutique in neighboring cities and actually found one. To surprise Serena, I'd pulled three all-nighters, pushing myself to return early. When I paid, the sales assistant told me I was incredibly lucky; it was a limited edition, with only two in the world, and the last one had just been purchased. Yes, I am truly lucky to have Serena as a friend. Serena was my elementary school classmate. Back then, I was introverted and often bullied by other kids. She always stepped in front of me, protecting me. Later, she transferred schools, but years passed, and we reconnected in high school. In my senior year, my older brother was getting married and needed money. Our parents, eyeing the exorbitant dowry, wanted me to drop out and marry someone. Again, it was Serena who helped me escape. We both got into universities in Portland. I had good grades and always shared half of my scholarship money with her. After graduation, my career quickly took off. I immediately recommended Serena to a top company with even greater potential. We supported each other; we weren't family by blood, but closer than family. Suddenly, a dull thud echoed from the room. "What was that sound?" I asked, about to get up and check. Serena quickly grabbed my arm. "My room's too cluttered; something must have fallen. Don't go in! You'll just laugh at me again." She said, getting up and walking towards the bedroom. I sat back down. "Fine, I won't go. I'm afraid you'll ask me to help you clean up! I really can't handle that mess of yours." Serena always looked impeccable outside, but her home was perpetually chaotic. If I didn't arrange for someone to clean her place every week, I couldn't imagine what a disaster it would be. I don’t know how much time passed, but then I heard the sound of a door opening, and realized I had drifted off to sleep. I had woken up at three in the morning today to catch my flight; I was utterly exhausted. Suddenly, I remembered Mike, my jealous husband. If he knew I’d returned early and gone to Serena’s apartment first, there was no telling what kind of scene he’d make. I quickly got up. "Serena, I need to go home." Serena emerged from the bedroom, dressed in pajamas. "Want me to see you off?" I rolled my eyes at her. "You’re in your pajamas, and you want me to let you see me off? What kind of person would I be?" She pulled my hand, playfully whining, "I stayed up late last night and got up early today, you know. My sweet Josie, I knew you cared about me the most." Her scent… why did it feel so familiar? She pulled away, and before I could think too much about it, my gaze fell on a dark green object on the sofa. I reached for it and pulled it out. It was a tie. The pattern was one I had personally designed for Mike when we got married – unique and one-of-a-kind. I stopped, looking at Serena with confusion. She chuckled. "Did you forget? The night before you left for your trip, we had dinner together, and Mike left his tie here." Only then did I recall that yes, that had happened. I complained about Mike. "Why hasn't he come to pick it up all this time? Does he expect someone to deliver it to him?" "You know how he is, always disliking me. Best for us to have minimal contact. Since you're here, you can just take it with you." Bidding Serena farewell, I rushed home, filled with excitement. As soon as I opened the door, I called out, "Surprise! Honey, I missed you!" But it wasn't Mike who greeted me, only an empty house. 4 The house was cold, as if no one had lived in it for days. Where was Mike? My heart sank, and my mind began to race with all sorts of alarming thoughts. I pushed down the rising panic and dialed Mike’s video call. As the long rings echoed, my heart steadily plummeted. Just a second before it automatically disconnected, Mike’s sweat-streaked face appeared on the screen. I clutched my phone, my hand trembling. "Honey, where have you been?" "I’m on a business trip," Mike said, his voice calm and gentle. "Something urgent came up at the company. I figured I’d be back before you, so I didn’t specifically tell you." "Why are you so sweaty?" I tried to keep my voice even. "Just finished a meeting, forgot my phone. Heard your special ringtone from the hallway and ran all the way back." Mike said, turning the phone camera to show the hotel background. I secretly exhaled, relieved. "It’s okay if you miss a call. You could have just called back when you had time. No need to rush." "I never want to disappoint my wife." My heart warmed slightly. "When are you coming back?" "Tomorrow." Then I remembered Serena’s boyfriend and couldn’t resist gossiping. "Oh, by the way, do you know that Serena has a boyfriend now? I was at her place this morning and almost bumped into him, but I didn’t get a clear look at his face." "Aren't you two as close as two peas in a pod? If she wouldn't tell you, why would she tell me?" Mike’s tone sounded casual. Good point, I thought, and didn't press the issue further. Not long after hanging up, Mike’s colleague called. "Mrs. Sterling, Mike is away on business. He said he’s worried about you being alone at home, so if you need anything at all, just let me know." "Oh, no, no, it’s fine. I just took an early flight back today. I’m planning to catch up on sleep this afternoon. Nothing important. Unless it’s the end of the world, no need to come help. But thanks!" "Don’t mention it, Mrs. Sterling! Everyone at the company knows Mike – sharp and detached, decisive in business – but in private, he’s a total doting husband! Mrs. Sterling always comes first!" I chuckled and hung up. Just as I was about to fall asleep, the company called, telling me I had a presentation tomorrow. I rummaged through my bag and realized I’d left my important file at Serena’s apartment! I had no choice but to go back to Serena’s. She wasn’t home again, and her phone was unreachable. I had to use the code to get in again. I grabbed the file and was about to leave when I noticed a half-eaten container of Southside Seafood Diner clam chowder on the dining table—Mike’s favorite dish. My gaze drifted to the entryway, where a pair of men's slippers sat on the shoe rack. They were size 11, the same as Mike's. Staring at those slippers, I froze. I didn't know what I was thinking. My mind was a tangled mess. I shook my head hard, trying to banish the chaotic suspicions. It must be sleep deprivation, making me overthink things. A good night's sleep will fix everything. I had just closed the door when Serena’s next-door neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, approached me. "Dear, I seem to remember a package being delivered this morning, but now it’s gone? I’m old, my memory is failing, and my eyes aren’t what they used to be. Could you help me check the security footage?" It seemed Mrs. Jenkins had mistaken me for Serena, and I didn't bother to correct her. I helped her check the surveillance; no package had been delivered. I was about to close the playback when, just as my fingertip touched the off button, a fleeting image flashed across the screen. It was like a bolt of lightning striking me, freezing me in place.
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