The two of them slipped under their blankets. Mei lay on the bamboo mat on the floor and immediately pulled her quilt up to her chin. Otis looked at her, she really did resemble a small, tense little cat. He picked up the remote control, turned on the air conditioner, switched off the lights, and the room fell into darkness.
Mei lay still for a moment. The cool breeze washed over her, easing the heat, and her mind drifted back to that night years ago, the same whirring hum of an air conditioner, the same cold air brushing against her skin. She hesitated, then softly asked, "Otis, back then… why did you come looking for me? Did you want to sleep with me…?"
Otis, lying on the bed scrolling through his phone, blinked in confusion.
"Huh? No, what are you talking about? What do you mean?"
Mei swallowed.
"I mean that time… sophomore year. You came to the hotel to find me. You don't remember?"
A moment passed before recognition dawned on him.
"Oh… that time."
