CHAPTER 6
Monday, February 14th, 2039
Clara knocked at Amber's door. She found her daughter scavenging her drawers. She had curled her hair and was wearing makeup.
"Amber, what are you doing? Do you know which day it is?"
"Yeah sure, it's Valentine's day."
"Do you remember what happened ten years ago?"
"When I was five years old? We went to this place... Oh no, don't tell me we have to go back there!"
"Every ten years darling. It's today."
"Do I really need to come?"
"Of course, why?"
"Well, since it's Valentine's day, I was going on a date with Shawn."
"I'm sorry darling. It's a family thing. You have to go with us."
"What about Josh?"
"Your brother isn't coming. He lives too far and has his own life now. Since he's not coming, you have to go with us."
"But I have my own life too!"
"As long as you live under this roof, you are part of this family. You have to come with us. But tell you what... Invite Shawn."
"To go there with us?"
"Yeah. Just like a date. And it's a romantic place. Invite him. We'll write his name on the stone."
"Ok then."
Clara closed the door of her daughter's room. Amber picked up her phone and dialled Shawn's number. The phone rang a couple of times before he picked up.
"Hello?"
"Hey Shawn. It's Amber."
"Hey Amb! What's up babe?"
"Well, it's about our date. I can't go, I have this family thing."
"Oh. Well, I guess we'll celebrate our love the next time."
"Actually, my parents are inviting you to come with us."
"Oh really? Ok then. I'm coming."
"Ok Shawn. We'll pick you up at your house in ten minutes."
"Alright, see you later. I love you."
"I love you too."
Amber closed her phone and continued preparing herself. In the living room, Clara was talking with David.
"It's really sad Josh couldn't come."
"I know."
"It's the first time our family isn't complete."
"He has his own life, now."
"It's time to go. Amber? Are you ready?"
The girl left her room and joined her parents.
"Is Shawn coming?"
"Yeah. He's waiting for us."
"Let's go then."
They left the house and got into the car. Three minutes later, the car stopped at Shawn's house. The boy was waiting in front of the door. Amber got out of the car and greeted her boyfriend. When she arrived next to him, another boy left the house.
"Robin?"
"I offered him to accompany me. Is it okay?"
"You're lucky my brother isn't coming. We have just enough space in the car for all of us."
