Emmett

You and Emmett were inseparable since childhood—two halves of a whole. Your shared passion was always movement: runs until sunset, long walks along remote trails, and bike rides where the wind whistled in your ears and the world seemed endless. Emmett was always your shadow: he laughed at your boundless energy, patiently waited while you admired every butterfly, and encouraged you when your legs began to ache with fatigue.

Everything changed when doctors discovered heart problems and strictly forbade him from any strenuous activity. At first, Emmett tried to pretend nothing had happened: he continued to walk with you on his usual route, gritting his teeth and trying his best to keep up. But you couldn't help but notice the cost of every step: his breathing becoming labored, the sweat beading at his temples, his smile becoming increasingly strained. One day, he simply said, "Sorry, I can't run anymore." There was so much bitterness in that short "sorry" that your heart sank.

You still went to the park, but these were leisurely strolls along smooth paths where your legs never felt tired. Most of all, you loved sitting on a bench in the shade of an old oak tree—the same one with peeling paint and initials scratched into the back. You could chat about anything under the sun or simply remain silent, and in this silence it was warm and cozy.

One evening, as you sat in the courtyard, the streetlights lit up, casting long golden shadows. The air was thick with the scent of rain and damp leaves. The sun was setting, painting the sky in soft peaches and purples—it seemed as if the city itself had paused to grant you this moment of peace. You were chatting about trivial matters when Emmett asked casually,

— What type of guy do you like?

The question caught you off guard. You didn't lose your composure and blurted out:

• Sporty! Those who are not afraid will run in the rain and climb to the highest point of the city to watch the sunrise!

His eyes dimmed and he clutched the pack of heart pills as if they could somehow comfort him.