Chapter 1269

Marion opened a bottle of whisky and poured full glasses for everyone.

Randy raised his glass and said, "To Caleb."

"To Caleb," the others echoed.

Erica, known for her drinking prowess, downed her whisky at one go. Debra followed suit, though she wasn't used to drinking strong spirits. Marion was the last to drink, finishing his with a straightforward ease.

The four of them sat around the table, staring at the dishes spread before them.

Erica clicked her tongue. "Honestly, how did Caleb get to his age eating this kind of junk?"

Randy chimed in, "Exactly. I stopped eating this stuff after high school."

Erica muttered, "Was it because abalone and lobster didn't suit his taste? No. It's because he couldn't chew them."

Everyone burst into laughter.

"Come on, let's toast to Caleb." Randy raised his glass again.

Tonight, it seemed like there were too many unsaid words between them. They all poured out their hearts.

Randy clapped Marion on the shoulder. "Seriously, how did you deal with Caleb's temper all these years? He was ruthless with everyone, and he must've been even harder on you."

Erica complained, "Exactly. He always made me stand in military posture as punishment. If my moves weren't perfect, he'd make me do 200 leg lifts."

"I didn't have to do that," Marion replied plainly.

His calm response instantly triggered them. "What? Why not?"

"Because I'm smarter than you," Marion replied with a straight face.

"If you weren't my buddy, I'd smack you right now," Randy muttered through gritted teeth.

"And if you weren't my cousin, I'd flip this table right here," Erica echoed.

Debra chuckled at the exchange.

As the drinks flowed and the night

wore

fo devoured.

everyone was tipsy.

food on the table had been

"This burger was great," Randy mumbled. "Tasted just like when I was a kid."

Erica pointed to the empty plates,

wobbling as she spoke. "The

fried

chicken and the skewers were

perfect to go with beer."

"But for me," Randy added, "the pizza was the best. It always reminds me of home."

He reached for another bottle of whisky, his flushed face glowing under the starry night sky.

"To Caleb. Rest in peace," he said before smashing the bottle on the ground.

Erica grabbed her bottle and followed suit. "Caleb, rest easy."

Marion finished his whisky, then picked up a bottle and smashed it hard against the ground.

By the

the night, shards of

Does covered the floor.

brokes covered the f the only one who

vefn

managed to retain a shred of clarity.

As dawn broke, the four of them finally succumbed to the alcohol, slumping into their chairs and falling asleep.

Half-asleep, Debra felt someone drape a blanket over her. She opened her eyes to see Marion already awake.

Overnight, a faint stubble had grown on his face. Debra reached out, her fingers brushing against his chin.

"I don't like seeing you like this. Last night was the last time."

"Alright."