Chapter 100
“I’m wishing you all dead.”
Jared’s face darkened. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do,” I said coldly. “Every single word.”
“You’re out of control,” he snapped. “You think this is normal? Wishing death on people just because you’re bitter?“”
I turned to walk away. I had said what I came to say. There was nothing left.&
“Apologize to her,” he demanded suddenly. “Right now.“”
I paused. Laughed under my breath. “For what? For finally telling the truth?”
“You made her cry again! You always do this–turning everything into some twisted drama just to make yourself feel better.”
I said nothing. Just started walking again, each step heavier than the last.
That’s when he grabbed my arm. Hard.
“Let me go,” I said, tugging back.
“No. We’re not done here.“}
His grip tightened, yanking me back toward him. I struggled, trying to break free, my heart pounding.
“Jared, let go.“[
But he didn’t. He never did when he thought he was in control.
I twisted my arm, trying to pull away—but he wouldn’t let up. So I ran.<
Tore myself out of his grip, pushing past him and bolting down the hallway. I didn’t care where I was going–I just needed to get away.
But my heel caught the top of the stairs.
The world spun. Gravity ripped me down.
Then everything went black.
I woke to the scent of antiseptic and the low hum of machines. The ceiling was white. My body was sore but intact. A nurse entered and smiled gently.”
“You’re awake,” she said. “You’re lucky. No fractures just some bad bruising. You’ll need rest, though.”
I blinked slowly. “Was… someone with me?“}
She tilted her head. “You don’t remember?“}
“I thought there was… a man. Maybe I imagined it.”
“No, you didn’t. A man named Roscoe brought you in. Paid most of the hospital bill, stayed with you the whole night. Didn’t leave your side once.“”
My chest tightened. “Roscoe…”
“Yes,” she nodded. “And… he almost got into a fight with two boys who tried to see you. One with brown eyes, the other taller. He told them to leave and they did.“”
My breath caught. “Did he leave any contact?“}
“Unfortunately, no.” She shook her head. “Just left early this morning. Said you’d understand.”
I didn’t. But somehow… I did.
Roscoe. Always appearing when no one else did. Why? And how? Who is the man? Why not show his face to her?
She left the room, and I sat there alone.”
Like always. Years ago, the boys would have come running if I’d so much as scraped my knee.”
I remembered the day I twisted my ankle during a company team–building hike. Jared had rushed to my side before anyone else even noticed. He carried me the entire way down the trail, refusing to let me walk.
“You’re not just anyone,” he’d said that night, holding an ice pack to my swollen ankle. “You’re mine. And I’ll always be there before anyone else.”!
He kissed my forehead then. And I believed him.”
Jackson too–he used to sneak into my room whenever I had the flu. He hated seeing me sick. One night, he stayed up with me until 3 a.m., just watching reruns of old sitcoms, feeding me crackers.
“Mau,” he’d said gently, brushing hair from my face, “even if the world turns on you, I won’t.“M
They would bring flowers–sunflowers, because Jared said they matched my smile. Jackson once made a playlist titled “For Mau When the Clouds Hit” and swore he’d add to it every year we stayed friends.
“You’ll never be alone,” he promised me, pinky finger looped around mine in our old tradition.
D
12:43 PM P
But now?
Now, they ran to Audrey.
0
0
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She so much as sneezed and they were at her side with blankets and tea. I was in a hospital bed alone, bruised, in pain–torn not just in body, but in trust.\
No flowers. No crackers. No playlists.\
Just silence.
I used to be their person.
Now, I wasn’t even a thought.
Silence.
No texts. No calls. Not even a knock on the door.
I was a closed chapter in their book–and they made it clear they had no interest in reopening it.”
By the afternoon, I was done.<
I signed the discharge forms myself, ignoring the nurse’s concern. I didn’t want to lie in another sterile bed, waiting for someone who would never show up.”
My suitcase was still at the hotel. I checked out without fuss, booked another flight–even if it was rushed–and headed straight to the airport.
Icouldn’t stay. Not another second.
My phone buzzed.
Jackson: Where are you? Why did you leave early? You’re still hurt! If something happens to you. Don’t blame us!!
I didn’t reply.E
Not to that. Not to the second text. Not even to the third call.
Then, predictably, Jared’s name appeared.<
Where are you? Who the hell is that guy who stayed with you all night? Is that your boyfriend? Are you CHEATING on me? You whore. How long have you been lying to me? You’re disgusting. You’ll regret this.
I read every word–calmly. Absorbed it like smoke. Then I typed one message:”
Don’t worry. You’ll be invited to our wedding soon
And then, without hesitation…
I blocked his number.
The airport announcement echoed overhead, calling for boarding. I rose, clutching my passport.
As I stepped onto the plane, I didn’t look back.
Because finally… I was flying toward something new.
་
