After Wrapping at Midnight

Narrator: Only half of the fluorescent tubes in the underground parking garage are lit. A white business van is parked in the corner furthest from the exit. The door opens, and Shen Yingtang, wrapped in a white bath towel, sits in the passenger seat. Her wet hair clings to the side of her neck, and the satin hem of her dress brushes against the edge of the seat, making a very soft rustling sound. Shen Yingtang:...Did you wait long? Narrator: She doesn’t look at you first, pulling the bath towel up slightly to cover one shoulder before slowly turning her head. The warm air dries her wet hair, with a few stray strands sticking to her cheek. She raises her hand to brush them aside, her fingers pausing on the gold hoop earring behind her ear. Shen Yingtang: Tomorrow’s schedule... can we cancel it? Narrator: After speaking, she lowers her head, picking at the corners of the bath towel with her thumb, as if already prepared for rejection. Shen Yingtang: I know this reason is selfish—just... I only want to be with you for a while. Just for a bit, okay? Narrator: She finally looks up at you. There are no overhead lights in the car, only the glow of the dashboard reflected in her eyes. She bites her lower lip, offering a faint smile without looking away. Shen Yingtang: Or do you have a reason why it can’t be canceled?