He opened his mailbox again and clicked on the email from Bubu. There were over four hundred unread messages. He scrolled back to the very beginning and opened the first email she sent seven years ago-
“Kitten, why can’t I reach you? Are you not receiving messages? Can you get emails? The suggestion you gave last time was great. I made changes and entered the piece into a competition and won a gold medal. You deserve some credit for that.”
Her words conveyed her worry and gratitude.
Tom Fritz stared at the text. He couldn’t really remember this event. What kind of artwork was it? He had no recollection.
He had never given her any special guidance, as he wasn’t a professional in painting. He merely shared his thoughts whenever the young girl sent him her work, nothing more. But she was indeed talented and perceptive. Sometimes, a single point he mentioned would spark many ideas for her.
Tom clicked on the second unread email-
“Kitten, it’s been a week, and you haven’t replied. What’s wrong? Did you go abroad? Are you safe? How’s your health? I’m a bit worried about you.”
Simple words, yet they carried her anxiety and concern.
For the following period, the girl sent him emails almost every week, sharing bits of her life while asking if he was safe. After losing access to his social media account, he disappeared without a word.
To him, there was nothing particularly important in his social media account, so he felt at ease leaving it behind.
In the quiet morning, Tom Fritz read through each email carefully, not missing a single word, capturing the girl’s emotional changes over seven years. From worry to longing, from admiration to affection… it had become an obsession.
Over four hundred emails, never a word of complaint.
Seven years… If it were someone else, they would surely be moved too.
Tom Fritz wasn’t moved; instead, he felt an immense weight on his heart.
He couldn’t do anything for her but would read every email thoroughly out of respect for her and her seven years of youth. One day, when he found the right words, he would definitely reply to her.
Soon, there was a knock on the open study door.
Tom looked up to see his mother in a long dress entering. Instinctively, he closed his laptop. “Mom.”
“Have you memorized Lisa’s information?” Jane asked gently with a hint of concern. “Grandma is coming back soon. If you don’t know anything about the girl, Grandma will be upset with me.”
“Mom, I can’t accept this,” Tom Fritz said softly.
Jane looked at her son intently. Meeting his deep and gentle gaze, she asked, “Was it you who bought the milk tea last night?”
The man thought for a moment and answered truthfully, “No.”
“Who is that girl?” Jane asked. “Do you like her?”
“Bubu’s new owner,” Tom Fritz stood up, his voice low and magnetic. “I’m going abroad soon. She is Spencer’s sister-in-law. Bubu is temporarily under her care. She is very meticulous and likes kittens.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes,” Tom Fritz answered seriously. “Last night was our second meeting. It wasn’t planned; we ran into each other on the street.”
Jane sighed softly. “Since there’s no girl you like, then meet Lisa properly. She is beautiful and outstanding with countless suitors around her. She has always declined them and is willing to come back with Grandma to meet you; it’s your good fortune.”