“Mom, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry Mom… If Sis won’t forgive me, then I’d rather die!”
Chloe cried heartbrokenly.
“Chloe, don’t you dare-”
SLAP!
Before I could finish, Mom’s hand struck my face.
“Enough!”
“It’s just ashes! The person is already dead, are ashes more important than the living?”
“If you bully Chloe again, you can get out of this house.”
That slap knocked away the last shred of attachment I had for her.
This was for the best.
I could leave without any lingering sentiments.
I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth without sparing another glance at Mom, who stood there stunned. Then I turned and went upstairs.
Since Mom thought I was an eyesore, and Chloe had taken over my room,
Rather than stay in this house that no longer had a place for me, I might as well move out.
I packed a few clothes quickly.
I didn’t take anything else – not the things Mom had given me, nor the expensive gifts from Ryan.
I didn’t even bring the photos I’d taken with them before. I burned them all.
I wasn’t one to dwell on the past.
Since I was leaving, I would leave cleanly.
As I dragged my suitcase downstairs, Mom was applying medicine to Chloe’s bruises.
She glanced at me coldly. “Just because I scolded you a bit, you’re running away from home? How petty.”
“Fine, go stay somewhere else. It’ll give this house some peace and quiet.”
“Come back on your wedding day with Ryan!”
I said nothing, taking one last look at Mom.
I wouldn’t tell her I had changed my groom.
Nor would I tell her my wedding was in just ten days.
Because she was no longer someone I could be close to.
