Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

his life in Changi Prison, or worse, he could be extradited to Hong Kong and then sent to a
prison camp in Northeast China, near the Russian border, where guys that look as pretty
as he does end up having a very sore time.”
Astrid leaned back into her chair, taking it all in.
Charlie grinned. “Michael has promised to never be of any trouble to you or Cassian.
Ever again. So the minute you put your name on those divorce papers, you’ll be a free
woman.”
“A free woman,” Astrid said the words softly to herself. “Charlie, I love you, and I’m so
grateful for everything you’ve done for me over the past few weeks. If I’m being true to
myself—to the new me—and if I’m being completely honest with you, I just don’t know if
I really want to get married again right now. I’m not sure I’m ready to return to Singapore
yet. I’ve been exploring these islands quite a bit, getting to know the locals, and I am
really connecting to this place. I think there’s a great deal I could do right here to help the
indigenous people. I could really use more time here, and what I really want is to send for
Cassian. I’ve seen how happy the kids are in these islands…their lives are so integrated
with nature, they’re so free and adventurous. They run along the narrow little prows of
wooden boats like sailors, they climb the trees like acrobats and knock down all the ripe
coconuts. They laugh and they laugh. It reminds me a little of the kind of childhood I had
at Tyersall Park. Cassian’s whole life these days is about homework and exams and
Chinese lessons and tennis lessons and piano competitions, and then when he’s not doing
that he’s just glued to his computer screen playing those violent games. I can’t remember
the last time I saw him laugh. If I’m going to live a new life of true freedom, I want the
same freedom for him too.”
Charlie peered deep into Astrid’s eyes. “Listen, I want you to have exactly the kind of
life you’ve dreamed about, for yourself and for Cassian. My only question to you is: In
this new life, is there a place for me?”
Astrid looked at Charlie, not sure what to say.
* Fresh caught jumbo prawns in coconut milk, a Palawan delicacy.