Chapter 8

Sitting in the passenger seat, I instinctively reached for the bottle cap.

But my hand slipped, and the medicine bottle fell to the floor.

I didn't pick it up. Instead, I dug my nails into my skin.

Forcing myself to stay present at the brink of a breakdown.

"Adeline."

"Adeline!"

Saylor called my name louder, bringing me back to reality.

"Why don't you break up with him?"

"After all, it's just an engagement."

I didn't respond.

"I know he was there for you before, helped you get better, and I'm thankful to him."

"But he cheated."

"Adeline."

The flickering light outside cast shadows on Saylor's face, her tone leaving no room for argument:

"Break up with him."

Silence filled the car like a heavy cloud.

After a long while.

I finally heard myself speak.

I said, "No."

The car came to a sudden stop by the roadside.

The seatbelt pressed against my chest.

Saylor hit the steering wheel, turned to speak, but fell silent when she saw my face.

It took a while.

Then I heard her ask:

"What is it that's holding you back?"

I didn't answer.

She looked at me, determined to get an answer.

What's holding me back?

I closed my eyes.

The red liquid still flowed, dripping.

Like it would never stop.

What's holding me back are the familiar words.

The hand that once tried to pull me out of the abyss.

What's holding me back is the guilt from two years ago.

I have no sister anymore.

I have no family anymore.

I opened my eyes, even though they hurt, no tears fell.

With red eyes, like a wounded cub,

Pathetic and laughable.

"Saylor."

I murmured, repeating it again.

"I have no family anymore."