Strawberry Cake, The Stand-in Celia

Chapter 1

Hey Seraphina, that guy you wanted to set me up with... is the offer still on the table? I want to meet him.

On the other end of the line, my sister sounded shocked. What changed your mind? Just a few days ago, you were swearing up and down that it was Clint Harrison or no one...

I thought back to my grand declarations from last week. Now, they just felt like the punchline of a cruel joke.

"Just consider it a wake-up call," I said quietly.

"Alright. He's actually flying back to Chicago early next month. I'll let you know when he's in town."

After hanging up, I opened my phone and set a reminder.

There were still fifteen days until the start of next month.

My dream was over. It was time to return to reality.

I had just finished setting the alert when the bedroom door pushed open.

Clint walked in, wearing that same gentle, attentive smile he always used. He held out a small pastry box. "I waited in line for three hours to get this for you. Give it a try."

I took it and flipped the lid.

Of course, it was strawberry.

I set the cake aside without taking a bite. "I'm not really in the mood for cake today," I said, my voice flat.

Clint sat down beside me, pulling me into a soft embrace. "Who upset my little Celia? Tell me, and I'll go give them a piece of my mind."

I let out a bitter laugh.

We had been together for three years. I had told him a thousand times that I didn't like strawberry.

I loved chocolate.

But every single time Clint bought cake, it was strawberry.

At first, I told myself the bakery just ran out of chocolate. I told myself it was the thought that counted.

That was until a week ago.

Clint was in the shower, and his phone was sitting on the nightstand. A notification popped up from a social media account.

It was a post from an account named Ceci_v_Luv.

I've tried so many desserts around the world, but my heart still belongs to that strawberry cake from the bakery on 5th Street!

That account was on his Close Friends list.

The handle sent a strange chill down my spine.

When you said it out loud, the name sounded almost identical to mine.

I used my own phone to search for the account. I spent hours scrolling through three years' worth of her posts.

She was a radiant, cheerful girl who traveled the world. She was beautiful, stylish, and full of life.

She was currently living abroad but was planning a permanent move back to the city.

Her real name was Cecilia.

Celia and Cecilia. Different names, but the same sound when he whispered them in the dark.

The realization hit me like a physical blow.

Later that night, I found Clint's burner account. His handle? Strawberry_Cake.

It was a ridiculous name for a grown man, and it wasn't his style at all.

But then it clicked.

Cecilia had posted that strawberry cake was her absolute favorite.

Clint had sacrificed his dignity and ignored my preferences just to pretend, in some pathetic corner of his mind, that he was the thing she loved most.

In that moment, I finally understood why he had pursued me so intensely after meeting me just once three years ago.

I understood why he was so overprotective, always calling me by my nickname.

And I understood why he always bought strawberry cake, even after I protested a hundred times.

He wasn't calling out to Celia. He was calling out for Cecilia.

Clint didn't notice my mood. He kept coaxing me with that nauseatingly sweet tone. "Are you just feeling down? Sweets always make things better. This bakery is famous for their strawberries. Just one bite?"

The weight in my chest felt like it was suffocating me. "I told you, I don't like strawberry cake!"

Clint froze, looking startled by my sudden outburst.

Before he could respond, his phone rang loudly.

He answered it quickly. His expression shifted from shock to pure, unadulterated joy in a split second. "Okay. I'm on my way. I'll be right there."

His hands were shaking as he hung up.

He was in such a rush to leave that he knocked over a potted plant by the door.

As I watched his taillights disappear down the driveway, I felt a premonition. I opened the app and checked Cecilia's profile.

She had just posted a photo. It was the exterior of the airport.

The caption read: Finally landed! Strawberry Cake, I've missed you so much!

So, today was the day Cecilia returned.

I turned off my phone and let out a long, slow breath.

It was time for the stand-in to exit the stage.

2.

I spent the entire night packing.

I gathered my clothes, my books, and all the small decor pieces I had added to this house over the years.

I used to think I would be the mistress of this home. I had put so much heart into arranging every corner.

Now, those things needed to disappear along with me.

Rain poured against the windows all night long.

Clint didn't come back until the next morning. He was wearing only a white button-down shirt, and he was soaked to the bone.

When he saw me, he flinched, his eyes darting away guiltily. He gave a forced, awkward laugh. "Why are you up so early? You should have slept in."

"The air is better in the morning," I replied.

Clint nodded, oblivious to the boxes tucked away in the closet. "Right. Well, I'm going to go take a hot shower."

"Clint."

"Yeah, Celia?"

"Last night..."

"Oh, I had to work late at the office," he interrupted quickly. "A client had a last-minute emergency. I was busy all night, didn't even have time to eat. I'm exhausted..."

When people lie, they tend to become incredibly talkative.

They provide unnecessary details to make their story seem more believable.

Clint was exactly like that.

Usually, he was a man of few words. He was concise and rarely bothered to explain himself, even when he was trying to be romantic.

"I was just going to ask about your coat," I said calmly. "You were wearing it when you left. Did you leave it at the office?"

Clint visibly relaxed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, at the office. Don't worry, I'm not cold."

"Oh. Go take your shower then."

He walked over and ruffled my hair affectionately. "My Celia worries about me so much, huh?"

I tilted my head, pulling away from his touch.

I walked toward the window, putting my back to him. "Just go. You shouldn't stay in those wet clothes."

His hand hung in the air for a second, looking surprised. Then he chuckled. "Right. Don't want to get you wet too."

The sound of the shower starting echoed from the bathroom.

I never checked Clint's phone. He never felt the need to hide it from me either.

It was sitting right there on the coffee table.

Buzz.

The screen lit up with a message.

Ceci: Strawberry Cake, did you make it home okay?

Ceci: Thanks for the jacket. It really kept me warm.

Was I surprised? Not really.

The way he had rushed out the door yesterday, the sheer panic and excitement on his face... I already knew.

But knowing and seeing the proof are two different things.

I pulled up Cecilia's social media on my own phone.

She had posted a new video thirty minutes ago.

She was running through the rain, looking like a playful forest sprite. She was vibrant and full of joy.

When she finally stopped, a man wrapped a large coat around her shoulders from behind, pulling her into a tight embrace.

The man's voice was filled with a tenderness I had never experienced.

"Slow down," he said. "You'll catch a cold."

Cecilia looked up at him. "I have you. I'm not afraid of anything."

He let out a soft, doting laugh. "Right. I'll always be right behind you."

The caption was: After all this time, you were still here waiting for me.

Clint walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. "Did my phone go off?"

I pointed to the table. "It vibrated."

He practically lunged for it, snatching it out of my reach.

His grip was so tight his knuckles were white.

After replying to the message, he seemed to realize he had overreacted.

"The client is being pushy... sorry if I scared you," he muttered.

"It's fine," I said, cutting him off. "I'm going out."

Clint caught my wrist as I tried to walk past him. "Celia, are you mad?"

"No."

I wasn't mad. I didn't even have the right to be mad.

Clint's gaze shifted to the corner of the living room, where several large trash bags were piled up. "Did you do some deep cleaning last night? That's a lot of stuff to throw out."

"Yeah," I murmured.

He smiled. "Good. Leave it there. I'll take it down to the curb in a bit."

"Clint, have you noticed anything missing from the bathroom?" I asked.

"...No? I didn't see anything," he said. "Are we out of body wash? I can pick some up."

I just nodded slowly.

In the bathroom, our towels, toothbrushes, and slippers were all matching sets.

We had kept them side by side for three years.

His was blue; mine was pink.

They were impossible to miss.

But last night, I had packed away every single item that belonged to me. The bathroom held only his things now.

He hadn't noticed.

Maybe his mind was elsewhere, or maybe he just never cared enough to look.

I didn't want to find the answer anymore.

3.

That weekend, there was a college reunion.

I hadn't planned on going, but I was curious. I wanted to see what kind of girl could keep Clint's heart captive for all these years.

The VIP room at the lounge was already packed when we arrived.

Clint's friend, Jared, immediately threw an arm around his neck. "Finally! Look who showed up. Cecilia's back, man. Your long wait is finally over..."

Clint looked panicked. He shoved Jared off. "Don't talk nonsense."

"Nonsense? Everyone in our class knows how you feel about her. It's written all over your face."

Jared finally noticed me standing behind Clint.

He blinked, his smile faltering. "And this is...?"

Clint looked incredibly awkward. "This is my girlfriend."

Jared was stunned. "Girlfriend? You have a girlfriend? Since when? Wait, haven't you been waiting for Cecilia all this time? Why the sudden change?"

Clint's face turned a sickly shade of pale.

At that moment, a stunningly beautiful woman stepped out from the crowd. "Who has a girlfriend?"

Jared waved her over. "Cecilia, get over here! Clint says he has a girlfriend, but I'm not buying it."

The girl Clint had obsessed over for years finally stood before me.

I had seen her photos, but seeing her in person was different.

She was radiant. She had the kind of beauty that commanded the entire room.

No wonder Clint couldn't let go.

Cecilia looked me up and down. Her gaze was filled with skepticism and a clear, sharp hostility. "Clint, is she really your girlfriend?"

Clint opened his mouth, his throat working hard as he tried to find his voice. "She..."

I forced a small smile. "I'm just here to look for something. I left an earring in this room earlier today."

Clint looked at me, his eyes wide with shock.

I knew he was staring, but I refused to meet his eyes.

I stared at the tips of my shoes instead.

"What did you lose?" Jared asked.

"...An earring," I lied.

Jared shrugged. "The staff cleaned the place before we got here. We didn't see anything. Maybe check the lost and found?"

I nodded. "Thanks. I'll do that."

I turned and walked away, my pace quickening with every step.

Behind me, I could hear Jared laughing and teasing Clint. "You just said she was your girlfriend to make Cecilia jealous, didn't you? That poor girl was just looking for her stuff and you used her like that. Cold, man."

Then, he turned his attention back to Cecilia. "See? You've driven the guy crazy. After all these years, you should finally give Clint a title."

Cecilia's voice had lost its edge. It was light and playful again. "Clint and I are just best friends. Stop trying to play matchmaker."

Best friends?

I couldn't help but stop and look back.

Clint was staring at her with a look of pure adoration.

But when she said the words "best friends," the light in his eyes instantly dimmed.

He gave a hollow laugh, playing along. "Yeah, you guys got it wrong. Cecilia and I are just best friends."

4.

When Clint came home later, I was watching the news.

The screen showed a local broadcast.

Clint gave a forced laugh. "Since when do you watch the news? I thought you hated it."

"I've heard so many lies lately," I said without looking at him. "I just wanted to see something that's actually happening."

Clint stiffened. He understood the subtext.

He let out a long sigh. "Celia, you really misunderstood everything. Cecilia and I are just friends. Jared was just talking out of his rear end. Don't take it to heart."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. That's all it is."

"Clint, can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

I turned to face him, looking directly into his eyes. "In this world, is there really such a thing as pure friendship between a man and a woman?"

Clint hesitated.

A look of profound sadness washed over his face.

"I think there is," he whispered.

He was clearly thinking of Cecilia.

Even though his feelings were obvious to everyone;

Even though he had waited for her for years.

She still labeled him as nothing more than a "best friend."

She shamelessly enjoyed his devotion while never acknowledging his feelings.

If Cecilia felt it was a pure friendship, what did he feel?

BuzzDBuzzD

Clint's phone went off again.

He glanced at it, and his expression changed instantly. He grabbed his car keys and headed for the door.

"Celia, I..."

"Is the client calling again?" I asked. "Go on. Don't keep them waiting."

Clint looked like he wanted to say more, to explain himself.

But then, his phone rang.

Cecilia's voice echoed through the room like a happy songbird. "Clint! Did you see my message? Hurry up!"

"I saw it. I'm on my way."

Before leaving, Clint paused. "Celia, don't overthink things. Get some sleep. I'll bring you your favorite strawberry cake tomorrow."

He didn't wait for my answer before he was gone.

I looked around the empty house. My eyes stung with unshed tears. "But I don't like strawberry cake," I whispered to the shadows.

I had always loved chocolate.

And I realized with a heavy heart that I wasn't even sure who he was talking to when he called me "Celia" anymore.

Was he talking to me, or was he desperately calling out for the girl who shared a similar name?

Sometimes, I felt like I was a glutton for punishment.

Even though I knew it would hurt, I opened Cecilia's profile again.

She had posted a photo of a specific brand of feminine products.

Overnight, extra-long, wings.

I knew you'd always remember my preferences.

I shut off my phone and closed my eyes.

In the darkness, I felt a wet tongue lick my hand.

I smiled weakly and picked up Bean.

Bean was a little dog Clint and I had rescued together. He had been a stray, and I couldn't bear to see him suffer, so I brought him home.

Bean was smart. He curled up in my arms, his warm little body offering me the only comfort I had left.

I stroked his head. "If Mommy and Daddy have to part ways, do you want to stay here with him, or come with me?"

The dog didn't understand why his parents would split up.

But he knew his mommy was sad.

He wagged his tail and licked my chin, trying to make me smile.

My heart ached as I squeezed him tight.

I could leave everything else behind, but Bean was coming with me.

My phone chimed.

It was a direct message on the social media app.

Ceci_v_Luv: I know who you are. Enjoying stalking my life?

I didn't reply. I just flipped my phone over.

But Cecilia wasn't done. Another message came through.

Ceci_v_Luv: Too chicken to talk? Let's meet up.

Ceci_v_Luv: You want to know what's going on between Clint and me, don't you? Come over, and I'll tell you everything.

5.

When I arrived at the cafe, Cecilia was already there.

She was wearing perfect makeup, carrying a designer bag, and sitting with her back perfectly straight.

The moment she saw me, she didn't bother hiding her sense of superiority. Her eyes filled with disgust. "Pets aren't allowed in this cafe."

I was holding Bean.

He had been suffering from some separation anxiety lately, and I didn't want to leave him alone.

"Then I'll leave," I said.

"It's just a dog. A mutt, actually. And you're holding it like it's some precious treasure."

"He is my treasure."

Cecilia curled her lip. "Your taste is as pathetic as I thought."

"Clint loves him too."

"Really? It seems Clint's standards dropped significantly after I left. Not just his choice in pets, but his choice in girlfriends too..."

She looked me up and down with obvious disdain.

"Did you call me here just to insult me, Ms. Vance?" I asked coldly.

Cecilia laughed. "What right do you have to talk to me like that? You know the only reason you're with Clint is because of me. Because our names sound the same."

"And?"

"Did you know that Clint had several girlfriends before you? Every single one of them reminded him of me in some way. And the moment I told him I didn't like one of them, he dumped her immediately. He didn't even blink."

I couldn't help myself. "If you know how much he loves you, why are you playing with his heart?"

"He's a willing participant. If I want to toy with him and he lets me, what business is it of yours?"

"Whatever makes you happy. I have things to do. Goodbye."

I stood up with Bean, ready to walk away.

"Hey," Cecilia called out. "If you beg me, I might consider letting Clint stay with you."

I frowned and turned back. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

"Nothing. It's just fun! Don't you think it's exhilarating to have a man wrapped around your finger like this?"

"..."

"Does Clint even know when your cycle starts? Does he know what brand of pads you use? I've been gone for three years, and he still remembers every detail about me. He listens to me. If you beg, you can keep being my stand-in..."

"No thanks," I said. "I have self-respect. I'm not interested in being a part of your sick game."

Bean seemed to sense my anger. He started barking furiously at Cecilia.

She flinched and cursed under her breath. "Dirty mutt! I'll make sure Clint gets rid of you!"

I felt a surge of rage. "You wouldn't dare!"

Cecilia smirked. "One word from me, and Clint would put this dog down himself. Don't believe me?"

She pulled out her phone and dialed Clint right in front of me.

He picked up on the first ring.

"Cecilia?"

"Clint, a dog just tried to bite me! Bring some poison, I want this thing dead!"

"You got bit? Is it bad? Stay there, I'm coming right now. I'll take you to get a shot."

"Oh, look at you getting all worried. It didn't actually bite me, but it's barking at me and I'm terrified!"

"Okay. Send me your location. I'll bring what you need."

Cecilia hung up, looking smug. "Clint, if your dog bit me, who would you choose? Me or the dog?"

Clint's response had been instant, even through the speaker: "The dog is just a dog. You're what matters."

My grip on Bean tightened. I felt a chill of pure fear.

Cecilia crossed her arms. "Clint's almost here. Should we wait a bit?"

She reached out her hand, taunting Bean.

I stepped back immediately. I was terrified Bean would actually nip her. If he did, Clint would never let him live!

I just wanted to get out of there.

But Cecilia grabbed my arm. "Don't go yet. The show hasn't even started."

"Let go!"

I shoved her hand away, but she wouldn't stop. She reached down and grabbed Bean's tail.

The dog let out a pained yelp.

I instinctively pushed her hand away to free him. "Let go of him!"

It was a light push, but Cecilia went flying backward. "Ah! Help me!"

"Cecilia!"

I heard Clint's agonized scream.

In that moment, I understood.

She hadn't fallen because I pushed her. She had fallen because Clint had just arrived.

6.

Cecilia was sprawled on the edge of the sidewalk.

A cyclist had been passing by and clipped her as she fell. She sat on the pavement, tears welling in her eyes. "Clint, what took you so long...?"

Clint practically threw himself onto the ground beside her. "I'm so sorry. I'm here now. Are you hurt?"

"My ankle... it hurts so much."

Without a second thought, Clint scooped her up in his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital."

"But what about Celia...?"

Cecilia cast a fragile, trembling look at me.

I stood on the sidewalk, holding Bean, watching them with cold eyes.

The weeping victim and the heroic protector. It was quite a performance.

Even the cyclist looked at them and said, "Your boyfriend really loves you."

Sometimes, when things get too ridiculous, all you can do is laugh.

Even a total stranger thought they were the couple. He hadn't even looked at me onceDhis actual girlfriend.

Clint's eyes were bloodshot with rage as he turned on me. "If you have a problem with me, take it out on me! Why would you hurt Cecilia? We're right by the road! If that had been a car instead of a bike, do you have any idea what would have happened?"

I didn't even know where to start explaining.

And honestly, I shouldn't have had to.

Cecilia, tucked safely in his arms, played the saint. "It's fine, Clint. Don't make a scene. I'm sure she didn't mean it."

"I saw you push her toward the street with my own eyes! Cecilia, you're just too kind-hearted!"

"Oh, you know I've always been like that."

The adoration in Clint's eyes was sickening. "I can't imagine how you survived on your own for three years... how much you must have suffered."

I was done. I wasn't going to argue, and I wasn't going to watch this anymore.

"If you're that worried, take her for a full check-up. Send me the bill for the medical expenses and lost wages. I'm leaving."

"Stop right there," Clint barked. "Apologize."

I turned back, staring at him in disbelief. His eyes were dark and cold.

"What did you say?"

"I said, apologize to Cecilia. Now."

I let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Clint, there are cameras all over this cafe entrance. Why don't you check the footage and see what actually happened before you decide who needs to apologize?"

"Did you or did you not push her?"

"..."

"Then apologize."

I straightened my back, my voice steady. "I have nothing to apologize for. If you're that upset, call the police."

I hailed a cab and disappeared.

During the ride, the driver looked at me through the mirror. "You okay, kid? You're crying."

I wiped my face. "I'm not."

"Sure you aren't. Fight with the boyfriend?"

I looked out the window.

I knew this wasn't just a fight.

The moment he demanded I apologize for something I didn't do, it was over.

When I got home, I packed a small bag. I grabbed Bean and left the place I once thought was my sanctuary.

My sister, Seraphina, called me. "Celia, did you book your flight? What day are you coming?"

"The 8th," I said.

"Okay! That's only a few days away. Let me know the flight info so I can pick you up at the airport."

"It's fine, sis. I can take an Uber."

"Haha, it's not just me. That guy I mentioned? He wants to come pick you up too. Oh, and let me know if you need anything for your room. I'll get it ready."

I looked at Bean in my lap. "I don't need anything, sis. Just a dog bed and some food."

"The little guy you and Clint have?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'm bringing him with me."

"Why? Did Clint give him up?"

"No."

This time, Bean and I were the ones giving up on Clint.

7.

The next morning, I took Bean to get his final round of vaccinations.

As the vet handed me his records, she smiled. "Bean is all set. He's healthy and ready to socialize."

"Is he okay for a long-distance flight?" I asked.

"Are you shipping him?"

"Yes."

"He's young, and since he was a stray, he has some separation anxiety. It's best if he isn't away from you for too long."

I worried for a moment. "I'm moving out of state soon. I have to take him."

The vet thought for a second. "Maybe try a multi-leg flight instead of one long trip. You can use the layovers to comfort him."

I thanked her and followed her advice, booking a flight with several stops.

It would take me three days to get back home, but it was worth it for Bean.

I called my sister to explain, and she was fully supportive. "Stay safe, and take your time. Take care of yourself and the puppy."

"I will, sis..."

Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me so hard it reached my throat.

I had to drop to my knees and heave until my stomach was empty.

Seraphina was shouting through the phone. "Celia? Are you okay?"

It took a while before I could breathe again. "I'm fine, sis. Probably just something I ate."

The line went quiet for a moment. "Celia... go to the clinic. Get checked out."

"It's fine. I'll just take some Pepto."

"I think... you might be pregnant."

The words felt like a physical blow. I sat there, stunned, for a long time.

I left Bean at the vet's boarding facility and went to the hospital.

When I looked at the ultrasound resultsD7 weeks, viableDI couldn't process it.

The doctor looked at me. "Are you keeping it or ending the pregnancy?"

My throat felt tight. I didn't know how to answer.

The waiting room was packed. "Go talk it over with the father," the doctor suggested. "Come back when you've decided. Next!"

I nodded and walked out.

I sat on a bench in the hallway, clutching my phone.

I didn't know if I should call Clint.

As if we were still connected, my phone started ringing. It was him.

"Why aren't you home?"

No greeting. Just a demand.

He wouldn't even use my name anymore. Of course, his precious Cecilia was back. Why would he need the substitute?

"I'm out with Bean. What do you want?"

"Get to the hospital. Right now."

"Why?"

"Cecilia's ankle is scraped. She's terrified of pain. Come apologize to her, and we can put this behind us."

Terrified of pain?

I was terrified too.

"Clint, I can't come right now."

"Is walking the dog that important? No, you are coming today."

"I said I can't!" I snapped. "Clint, if I were the one in the hospital right now, would you still be dragging me to her bedside to beg for forgiveness?"

"Why the hell would you be in the hospital?"

"I'm taking care of a medical procedure."

"What?" Clint let out a harsh laugh. "Making up excuses to avoid an apology? Celia, that's pathetic even for you."

"..."

"You have thirty minutes. We're waiting. Don't be late."

Click.

He hung up.

I stared at the black screen and felt a hollow laugh escape my lips.

Why was I still hoping for anything from him?

I walked back into the exam room. My voice was calm and steady as I looked at the doctor. "I'm ready. I want to terminate the pregnancy."

8.

For some women, the procedure is just like a heavy period. For others, it feels like dying.

I was the latter.

I wasn't very far along, so the medication was an option.

After taking the pills, I spent six agonizing hours in the bathroom.

The sight of the bright red blood in the toilet was something I'd never forget.

I walked back into the clinic, clutching a small piece of tissue.

The doctor, unfazed by the sight, checked the contents with a cotton swab. She nodded. "The tissue passed completely. You can go home now. Have your partner come pick you up."

Partner?

I didn't have a partner anymore.

My only family was Bean, waiting for me at the vet.

The pain was so intense I could barely stand. I stumbled, but a kind nurse caught my arm.

"Are you okay, honey?"

"I'm fine. Thank you," I whispered.

"Where's your ride? Did the father not come? Give me his number, I'll call him!"

"No need..."

Before I could finish, my phone rang.

I answered, and Clint's voice blasted through the line. "Why aren't you answering? You think ignoring me gets you out of this? Cecilia is crying from the pain. Is an apology that hard?"

She was crying over a scraped ankle?

I had just lost a child and could barely stand, and he was worried about her?

"Clint, I told you. I'm not coming, and I'm not apologizing."

"If you keep this up, I'm calling the cops. Celia, we were together for three years. I don't want it to come to this. Just come over, say you're sorry. Cecilia is a sweetheart, she'll forgive you..."

"Call them. If the police look at the footage and decide I owe her an apology, then I'll give her one!"

I hung up immediately.

The nurse gave me some water and let me rest for a while.

Once I could move, I took an Uber to the vet.

Bean was ecstatic to see me, whining and wagging his tail.

The vet smiled. "He really loves you."

My eyes blurred with tears. "I know. He's the only one whose love never changes."

"By the way, where's your boyfriend? You two always come together for his shots."

"I don't have a boyfriend anymore."

"Oh... I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. Thank you for taking care of him."

I walked out and hailed another cab. I almost gave the driver my old address.

But I caught myself.

"Actually, take me straight to the airport."

The driver looked surprised. "Going on a trip? Don't you need to pack your things?"

"I'm done packing. Just get me there as fast as you can, please."

On the way, I changed my flight to the earliest one available.

This city, these people, that house... none of it was worth holding onto.

Since I was leaving, I was going to make a clean break.