The Red String

Episode 7 Sign

Sean spotted Ali standing in the middle. Her face was bright under the colorful lights, looking happy as she looked around at the crowds and decorations.

He stopped in his tracks and watched her from a distance for a few minutes. He wanted to make sure—was she with someone else? Was she here with friends, or with a special person? He looked carefully, but there was no one beside her. She was completely alone.

Taking a deep breath, Sean walked toward her, his heart beating a little faster. When he was close enough, he called out gently.

"Hey, Ali!"

Ali turned around quickly, surprised. Her eyes widened when she saw him standing there. A big, warm smile spread across her face.

"Hey, Sean! What a surprise! What are you doing here?" she asked happily.

Sean smiled back, trying to act calm. "Oh, nothing much. I just came here to have some fun and relax for a while. It’s a nice place to clear your mind, right?"

Ali nodded, her eyes shining. "Yes, it really is! It feels so magical here."

She tilted her head slightly and asked curiously, "Ah... so are you here with someone? Do you have company?"

Sean shook his head softly and looked straight into her eyes. "No, I’m all alone. I came here by myself."

Ali’s smile grew even brighter. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She pointed toward the big Ferris wheel, standing tall and glowing with beautiful lights.

"Well, since we are both alone... perfect timing!" she said cheerfully. "Come on, let’s ride the Ferris wheel together! The view from the top is amazing."

Sean felt a rush of happiness. He nodded immediately, unable to hide his smile any longer.

"Okay! Let’s go!"

He walked beside her as they headed toward the ride. The music played softly in the background, and the bright lights seemed to shine just a little bit brighter now that he was walking next to her. This was exactly the chance he had hoped for.

As they got into the cabin and the wheel began to move slowly upward, Sean glanced at Ali. She was looking out at the park, her face glowing with joy. For a moment, everything else faded away—the crowds, the noise, the world outside. It felt like it was just the two of them, floating high above everything else.

"It’s beautiful up here," Ali whispered, looking at the colorful lights below.

Sean looked at her, not at the view. "Yes... it really is."

After the Ferris wheel ride, Sean and Ali walked around the park for a while. The sun had gone down, and the bright colorful lights were glowing everywhere. The air smelled sweet and delicious.

They reached an area filled with small stalls selling hot, tasty street food. The smell of grilled meat, sweet corn, and fried snacks made their stomachs growl.

Sean stopped and looked at Ali with a smile. "Are you hungry? We haven’t eaten anything yet."

Ali laughed softly and nodded. "Yes, I am! Everything smells so good here."

"Come on then, let’s eat here," Sean said. He led her to an empty table near the stalls. "What do you want to eat? I will buy it for you."

"Oh, no need! I can buy my own," Ali said quickly.

But Sean shook his head firmly. "No, let me treat you. It’s my pleasure. Just tell me what you like."

Ali smiled and gave in. "Okay then. I want grilled pork skewers and some with sweet sauce. And a cold drink, please."

"Wait here, I will be right back," Sean said.

He walked to the stall and ordered the food. While he waited, he kept glancing back at Ali. She was sitting quietly, looking around at the happy crowd, her face soft and relaxed. Sean felt his heart beat a little faster. Being with her like this felt so natural, like they had done this a hundred times before.

Soon, he came back carrying two paper plates filled with hot food and two cold drinks. He placed them carefully on the small table.

"Here you go. Enjoy," he said, sitting down opposite her.

"Wow, this looks delicious! Thank you, Sean," Ali said happily. She took a bite of the meat and her eyes widened. "Mmm! It tastes even better than it smells!"

Sean watched her eat and smiled. He took a bite too, but honestly, he didn't care much about the food. He was just happy to be sitting here with her, sharing this simple moment.

"Why did you really come here alone today, Sean?" Ali asked suddenly, wiping her mouth gently. She looked at him with curious eyes. "You don't usually go to places like this by yourself, right?"

Sean paused for a moment. He looked at her, thinking of what to say. He couldn't tell her that the truth was... he had hoped, maybe even wished, that he might see her here.

He took a sip of his drink and said softly, "You are right. I don't usually come alone. But... I had a lot on my mind lately. I just wanted to walk somewhere bright and happy, to clear my head."

Ali nodded slowly, her expression turning gentle and understanding. She leaned her chin on her hand.

"I know that feeling," she said quietly. "Sometimes, being alone helps you think. But... isn't it better when you have someone to share it with?"

Her voice was soft, and her eyes looked straight into his. Sean felt his face get warm. He put down his food and looked at her seriously.

"Yes, Ali. You are right," he said, his voice low and sincere. "It is much better. Way better."

For a moment, there was silence between them, but it was not an awkward silence. It felt warm and special. The noise of the crowd, the music, and the chatter around them seemed to fade away. It felt like time had slowed down just for them.

Ali smiled softly and looked down at her plate. She picked up another skewer and ate it slowly, but now there was a little pink blush on her cheeks.

"I am glad I met you here today, Sean," she whispered.

Sean smiled, his heart full of joy. He reached for his drink and clinked it gently against her glass.

"Me too, Ali. Me too. This is the best day I have had in a long time."

They finished their food slowly, talking and laughing about small things—childhood memories, funny stories, and their favorite foods.

“Hey Ali, come on. I’ll drop you off at your apartment. Get in the car,” Sean said gently as he opened the passenger door for her.

Ali nodded with a soft, tired smile and climbed inside. She buckled her seatbelt and leaned back against the comfortable seat. The ride was quiet and peaceful; only the soft sound of the car engine could be heard. The streetlights outside passed by in a blur of gold and red.

As the minutes went by, Ali felt her eyes becoming heavy. She had walked so much and laughed so hard earlier, and now sleepiness washed over her like a warm wave. She tried hard to stay awake, blinking slowly, until finally, she could fight it no more. Her head tilted gently to the side, and she fell into a deep sleep.

Sean glanced over at her while driving. When he saw her sleeping peacefully, a soft, warm smile spread across his face. She looks so cute when she sleeps, he thought to himself, his heart beating a little faster. Like an angel.

For a moment, Sean was confused. Should I wake her up? he wondered. If he woke her, she might feel awkward or shy. But if he didn’t... where would he take her?

He looked at her once more—so calm and relaxed—and made his decision. He would not take her to her apartment. Instead, he turned the car in a different direction, toward his own place.

At the Penthouse.

Soon, Sean arrived at his penthouse. He parked the car and turned off the engine. He stepped out and walked carefully to the passenger side. He opened the door slowly, trying not to make a sound.

He bent down and gently slipped one arm under her knees and the other behind her back. With great care, he lifted her up in his arms. She was light, and she shifted slightly, murmuring something softly in her sleep, but she did not wake up.

Sean carried her slowly into the building, up the elevator, and straight to his bedroom. He walked as quietly as he could, step by step, afraid that even a small noise would disturb her. He lowered her gently onto his soft bed and pulled a light blanket over her shoulders.

To be continue.....