The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 38

Charley casually added from the side, "She says you look like a radiant local."

Lavinia looked up, a soft smile gracing her lips.

The stupa symbolized supreme spiritual merit. Legend had it that sincerely praying there just once was equivalent to the cultivation of three lifetimes.

The tower was covered in densely carved Buddhist reliefs, each hiding a different parable. Charley stopped every so often to explain the stories.

Lavinia listened quietly. Whenever they reached a statue, she would stop, press her palms together, and pray with profound reverence.

*[Spirits of the universe, please bless Uncle Latham with health and guide him safely through this crisis.]*

Standing to the side, Charley took out his phone and quietly snapped a few photos.

After descending from the stupa, he sent the photos to her. "Keep it as a memento."

Lavinia opened the picture.

Amidst thousands of people, she stood with her hands pressed together. Smoke from the incense coiled around her, the dark red sari draping elegantly over her frame.

She looked unfamiliar, deeply solemn. She had never known she possessed such a side.

"Cheer up, smile a little," Charley said softly.

"I came here seeking medicine," Lavinia's voice dropped. "I don't have the right to be happy."

"Life is a cycle of fortune and misfortune." Charley looked at her. "You always have to try and find joy in sorrow."

Leaving the stupa, they stumbled upon a street food alley. It was incredibly crowded, with people packed shoulder to shoulder.

Charley walked a half-step ahead of her, occasionally glancing back to ensure she was still following.

Lavinia stopped in front of a food stall.

"Charley, I want to try this. I've seen it in a movie before."

Charley took a quick look, didn't ask any questions, and paid for a portion.

It was Pani Puri—golden, hollow, deep-fried spheres neatly arranged on a metal tray and drizzled with sauce.

Lavinia took a bite. The sauce exploded in her mouth, a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and a slight spicy kick.

"Is it good?" he asked.

"Mhm." She nodded. "Do you want to try one?"

Lavinia ate another one herself, then raised her hand to offer him one.

Charley raised his hand and gently pulled the sari draped over her head down a little, concealing most of her face.

Then he leaned in close, whispering softly by her ear, "If you want to cry, cry. No one can see you."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a single tear broke free and shattered at her feet.

She didn't dare sob out loud. She only let out a stifled whimper, her shoulders trembling slightly.

He stood right in front of her, so close that if she leaned forward just an inch, she would rest against his chest.

Yet, she continued to hold herself upright.

After a long while, her breathing slowly steadied.

Charley simply said, "There's another stall up ahead. Want to try that one?"

He acted as if absolutely nothing had happened.

"Mhm."

Lavinia sniffled and followed him.