9. I didn’t visit Matt. I was too busy. Josh’s return had reignited my passion for veterinary medicine. I quit my job and started studying for the licensing exam. Then, one day, Matt texted me, begging me to see him. I hesitated, then relented, bringing him a container of store- bought chicken soup. I barely … Read more
8. Six months later, I ran into Nina at the park while walking Buddy. The park overlooked the river. Nina looked different. I was used to seeing her in white dresses, ethereal like a jasmine flower. Today, she was wearing a scarlet red dress and smoking a cigarette. The wind whipped her long hair around … Read more
7. We walked in silence for a while, Buddy sniffing curiously at everything. “Josh,” I said quietly, “do you think I did the right thing?” A slow smile spread across his face. “If you didn’t, would you have done it?” he asked, his eyes twinkling. I met his gaze. “Huh?” He shrugged, hands in his … Read more
6. Josh had sharp, angular features that made him look aloof until he smiled, and then his whole face softened. He was the embodiment of that old saying, “a gentleman, refined and polished.” He grinned. “Long time no see, Lily.” He turned and disappeared into the back, returning a moment later with Buddy, who yipped … Read more
5. ― Purchase completed My entire family was in the living room when I got back to my parents‘ house. Dad threw a slipper at my feet the second he saw me. “What’s gotten into you?! Breaking up with Matt over something so trivial? Are you out of your mind?!” His chest heaved. My stepmom, … Read more
4. I’d packed light, so light that I thought I had everything. It wasn’t until I was back at my apartment that I realized I’d left a necklace, a precious one, at Matt’s place. It was too late to go back that night. I returned the next day. I’d given Matt back my key, so … Read more
3. His face went blank, his body stiffening. He grabbed my hand, his voice tight with anger. “No, we’re not!” I met his gaze, my lips pressed together. “No! We’re getting married! You’re breaking up with me over a few texts? Over nothing? Why?!” He was like a cornered animal, snarling and desperate. I looked … Read more
2. We’d been together for four years, and I knew Matt had an ex named Nina. He rarely spoke about her, but I’d pieced together a picture of her from his friends. She was his “one that got away,” the pure, untouchable first love. They’d met in high school. Back then, Matt wasn’t the successful … Read more
1 It was the middle of the night when I woke up, wanting to look at the photos Matt had taken of me trying on wedding dresses. Instead, I found a string of texts: “Nina, I’m getting married soon.” “Seven years… I guess it’s time to move on.” “I wish it was you trying on … Read more