[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":9},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260311FB68BF-10":3},{"id":4,"number":4,"name":5,"content":6,"isLocked":7,"price":8,"hasRead":7},10,"Chapter 10: A Final Goodbye and a New Beginning","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He ran a hand through his messy hair, a wry smile playing on his lips.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He talked and talked until he finally hit a wall.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I just listened, watching the world go by, not saying a word.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He bowed his head, a moment of silence, then finally worked up the nerve.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nora, is there really… no shot for us? I'm not talking about now, but if… if my startup gets back on its feet, could we… try again?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A light drizzle started to fall. I looked up and let out a small laugh.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nope.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stood there in the rain, his clothes getting soaked, a profound loneliness radiating from him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Goodbye, Nora.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Bye.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They say 'goodbye' has two meanings.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">One is 'see you later.' The other is 'never again.'\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Benjamin Stewart, I hope we never cross paths again.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I walked home, the warm spring sun a welcome embrace on my skin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">May in this northern city felt like the absolute peak of the year.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A young guy, sharp in a crisp white Oxford shirt, walked past, a dog in tow.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The playful pup trotted over, giving a few friendly woofs.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The guy seized the moment, his face blushing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"My dog… seems to really like you. I was wondering… if I could maybe… get your number…\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He fumbled through the short sentence, words catching in his throat.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I couldn't help but burst out laughing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When my laughter died down, I said, \"Sorry, but no.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">God took my capacity for love.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">For the rest of my life, it's all about me.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The End.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272933238]