Stella didn’t dwell on things for long and decided to focus on dinner instead. Roger, who was studying at a nearby university, had opted out of living in the dormitory for health reasons. The university still kept a spot reserved for him, but he spent most of his time staying outside with Stella. Today, when he came home, he was excited to finally see her shoes again. His face lit up.
“Sis, you’re back?” he called out as he stepped inside.
Stella, busy cooking in the kitchen, responded with a simple hum, and then added, “Wash your hands! Dinner is almost ready.”
A moment later, she heard the door close and the sound of quick footsteps approaching from behind. Without turning around, she asked, “Have you washed your hands?”
She focused on the soup simmering in the pot, the warmth and fragrance filling the air. Then, she felt Roger lean against her, resting his chin on her shoulder. He sighed contentedly.
“Sis, you’re finally back from your trip. I haven’t seen you in days. I missed you.”
Stella chuckled, gently pushing his head away. “How old are you? Why are you still acting like a child?”
Roger frowned at her teasing. “My age doesn’t matter. I’ll always be your baby brother!”
Stella smiled, shaking her head. “Alright, now let go. I need to serve the soup.”
Roger complied, stepping aside but watching her with a fond look.
After their parents passed away, the two of them had stayed together, leaning on each other for support. It was rare for them to be apart for so long. When Roger had been hospitalized, and Stella had been busy working, they had no choice but to live separately. He’d wanted to help, but there was nothing he could do. Then came the dreadful event—he wasn’t able to protect his only sister, and the guilt had weighed heavily on him. But things were different now. His health had stabilized, and he was on track with his studies. In a few years, he would graduate and start working, easing some of the burden off Stella’s shoulders.
“Sis, why don’t you take the public exam?” Roger asked out of nowhere.
Stella froze for a moment, placing the bowl of soup on the counter before she turned to look at him. “What made you think of that?” she asked, confused.
Roger shrugged. “Or maybe become a teacher. I want you to have an easier job. The work you’re doing at the training center seems exhausting. You wake up early and leave late, and you’re judged on your performance every day. I’ve heard that training centers are struggling now. It’s not as profitable anymore…”
Stella had been prepared for this conversation. “The training center will close next month,” she said, deciding to tell him sooner rather than later.
Roger wasn’t surprised by the news. He sighed deeply. “I knew it was only a matter of time. Honestly, I didn’t want you working there anymore.”
Stella felt a bit helpless. “Taking the public exam and becoming a teacher isn’t as easy as you think.”
Roger walked over to her, gently pulling her wrist and shaking it lightly. “Then find another job, something less stressful. Don’t wear yourself out.”
Stella’s eyes widened slightly as she heard him mention Justin. “I’ve heard about you and Justin…” Roger began.
Stella looked up, startled. “Did he say something to you?”
She hadn’t thought about Justin for a while. They had parted ways on less-than-pleasant terms, and both were adults who understood when to stop. She didn’t expect to hear his name again. But then again, she had forgotten that Justin was still Roger’s lecturer at the university. It made sense that Justin might have mentioned something.
Roger shook his head. “No, he didn’t say anything to me. That’s why I know you and him aren’t going to work out. Right?”
Stella fell silent at his words, her mind briefly drifting to the past. She had always known that her relationship with Justin wasn’t meant to be. “It’s impossible for us to work out,” she finally said. “Don’t worry about it. We’re just not compatible with each other. Besides, I’m not looking to get into another relationship right now.”
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