---- getting better. Allison even said I could be close toa full recovery. But near the end, my voice cracked. I couldn't keep going. It turned out that I still wasn't ready to let go. The year I graduated from Werewolf Academy, I was just about to complete my first mission. There was going to bea hefty bonus. Thad planned it all. With my savings from part-time jobs over the years, it would be enough to take Cherry to that flower-filled field she loved. By the time I completed the mission, I was dizzy and lightheaded, but my heart was full of joy. All I could think about was finally being able to take Cherry out and give her that surprise. But that was the same day she walked into the freezing sea. ---- I wrapped my arms around the cold, hard tombstone as if I were hugging Cherry. From that moment on, I didn't have a home anymore. If she had just waited a little longer, we could've had our happiness. "Cherry, why couldn't you wait for me?" I mumbled. No one answered. Only the fall wind stirred the leaves, rustling softly like a whisper.