Garrett walks up to me, guilt in his eyes: “Roxanne, I want to adopt you as my daughter. You’ll be part of the Sinclair family from now on. I’ll make everything
up to you.”
look at his sincere expression, warmth flooding my heart.
someone wants me. Someone’s willing to give me a home.
But the next second, Marlena’s words echo in my ears: “You’re just a tool.”
No thanks.”
stand up, my voice colder than I expected. “I don’t need a father.”
te freezes, hurt flashing in his eyes.
turn and walk away without looking back, but each step feels incredibly heavy.
use the compensation money to rent a small apartment and re–enroll in high school.
ty classmates are all three or four years younger than me.
try hard to fit into their world, but when the night gets quiet, that loneliness still crashes over me like a tide.
month before the college entrance exam, my homeroom teacher calls me in for a talk.
Roxanne, your grades are excellent. You should consider applying to top universities. Any ideas about what you want to study?”
shake my head.
only know I need to leave this place.
is for where to go or what to do, I’ve never thought about it.
lecause my whole life, no one has ever asked me what I wanted.
The afternoon after finishing the college entrance exam, my phone rings.
rs a photo from Brighton.
fe’s standing in a hospital room, leg still in a brace, but he can walk.
in the photo, he’s smiling shyly, eyes clear and bright.
I stare at the photo for a long time, emotions churning inside me.
He saved me, nearly died doing it.
But there’s too much between us–all that pain, those misunderstandings, and the shadow Marlena left behind.
I text back two words: Take care.
Then I delete his contact.
Some people are destined to be just passersby in your life.
Even if they were once so important.
I come to the marina alone.
Three years ago, I waited here for Marlena to come back
Back then, I naively believed that if I was good enough, she would love me.
The sea breeze blows, carrying that familiar salty smell, and those painful memories flash before me.
22-23
30.2%
Chapter 9
“Mom, I’m not waiting for you anymore,” I say to the ocean, my voice trembling
I’ve already decided to let go, but when I say these words, tears still fall traitorously
The wind carries my voice away with no echo.
Just like all these twenty years–all my calls have had no echo.
I turn and leave the docks, walking toward the bus stop.
Each step is saying goodbye to my past self.
Tomorrow I’ll report to university. My new life is about to begin.
This time. I’m not waiting for someone to save me.
I’m going to use my own hands to live the life I want.
The bus arrives, I get on and pay the fare.
The driver is a middle–aged man who looks kind: “Where to, young lady?”
Train station.”
Going on a long trip?”
Yeah, to college.”
le smiles: “That’s great! Study hard. When you make something of yourself, don’t forget your family.”
amily?
smile bitterly.
What family do I have left?
sit by the window, watching the scenery flash by outside.
his city holds too many painful memories for me, and I can finally say goodbye.
hat why does my heart still feel reluctant?
he bus passes that familiar street, and I see the apartment complex where I used to live.
here are traces of the life Marlena and I shared there, memories of being beaten and scolded, and my once naive fantasies.
sit really all in the past?
Ve reach the train station. I get off and drag my suitcase into the waiting hall.
I’s crowded and nonsy. Everyone has their own destination, people waiting for them to come home.
find a corner and sit down, pulling out my acceptance letter to read again.
thas my name on it flors Channing
This is the pain I chose for myself, and its the syndol of my fresh start
but wont starting over alone be too lonely?
The announcement comes on “Train to flucago is now boarding
I stand up and walk toward the gate
The city behind me gradually fades away, and ahead lies an unknown future.
I’m not afraid anymore
22.23
From Beloved Daughter to Dead Burden? Now Woods Your Perfect Family BURNE
30.59%
Chapter 9
Because this time, I’m living for myself.
