Chapter 7: The Apartment and the Paper Crane

Rachel still called me out for meals every few days. One day, she seemed to remember the promise she’d made on my birthday.

She transferred an apartment to me. It wasn’t big—three bedrooms, one living room, never lived in. For Rachel, it was probably just something she kept around to give away.

The day I got the deed, I was as happy as ever, cheerfully checking out my new place.

Rachel didn’t get it. She rolled her eyes, like she couldn’t believe anyone would care about a starter condo. "It’s just a small apartment. Do you really like it that much?"

I nodded solemnly. "Rachel, you don’t understand."

I was still on the student conduct board. When I didn’t have class, I’d help Rachel cover for her absences. She didn’t expect much from me—just don’t let her get in trouble at school.

I was diligent and responsible. During Christmas break, everyone else went home. I didn’t, because I had no home.

I went to my little apartment. It was simply decorated, not even a TV. I thought I’d buy one before the New Year.

While shopping for appliances at Walmart, the air smelled like popcorn and new sneakers. Rachel was there, taking her little sister out, the girl clinging to a giant stuffed unicorn.

With her temper, Rachel was always one step away from fighting with the kid—definitely not the type to coax children. When she saw me, she grabbed me. I was stunned, but went over.

"Rachel."

She sighed, blowing a strand of hair out of her face. "Why do kids even like this origami stuff, anyway? Do you know how to fold paper cranes?"

"Yeah."

"Teach her for me. I’ll Venmo you."

Alright. Hearing me agree, I noticed the little girl holding a piece of paper, crying pitifully. When she heard me, she handed it over.

It was just a regular piece of colored paper. I folded it, and the little girl ran back to the other kids with her finished crane.

Rachel frowned. "Don’t get what’s so great about a cheap piece of colored paper..."

I shook my head. "It’s not about the money. If you like something, even if it’s cheap, it’s a treasure."

Maybe she didn’t expect me to say that. Rachel glanced at me. "You came to buy something?"

"Yeah, wanted to buy a TV."

"You helped, come on, I’ll help you pick."

She helped me choose. Rachel never cared much about money, but I still refused. "Thanks, Rachel, but let me pay."

"Mm..."

Rachel seemed distracted, not sure what she was thinking. The salesperson asked if we were a couple.

I shook my head. We weren’t even close to being a couple. Maybe just friends, or maybe not even that.

For a second, I watched our reflections blur together in the glare of the store lights—me, in my college hoodie, Rachel in her designer boots, her little sister tugging on her sleeve. I wanted to reach out, just once, but my hands stayed in my pockets. Maybe in another life, I’d be the guy she picked. For now, I was just the guy who folded paper cranes.