Chapter 3

Two weeks before the surgery, my body was responding well to the treatment.

The doctor told me that as long as I kept it up, my chances of a successful surgery were high.

That really put my mind at ease.

But my peaceful days didn't last long.

One afternoon, as I was walking back from the grocery store, I spotted a familiar figure waiting outside my apartment building—Ethan.

He'd lost a lot of weight, with dark circles under his eyes, looking completely worn out.

"Maya," he called out, his voice rough. "I've been searching for you for ages."

I passed…