Chapter 10 — People Who Live in the Middle of the Process

He also saw me. Obviously recognized me. The atmosphere froze for half a second. He avoided my eyes. He accelerated, turned sideways and passed me. Mute. I also didn't speak up. I unscrewed the cap of the mineral water bottle and took a sip. The water is very cold. Very refreshing. On the way home, the phone rang. It's Ton Le's WeChat message.
“Trinh Lam, next week the whole department is going to a party, will you go?”
I thought for a moment, then answered with two words:
“What time?”
She responded immediately with an emoji — a cat frantically clapping her hands. Below is a line of text: "Eight years ago, this is the first time you accepted an invitation to a party. I took a screenshot as a souvenir." I laughed. Put the phone back in your pocket. Raise your head and look at the sky. Winter is about to pass. The trees along the roadside have sprouted a few new buds. Very small. Very lush. But still alive.