Chapter 1
I broke up with my boyfriend when he was at his lowest.
A year later, he made it big and married a girl prettier and livelier than me.
On a variety show, the host asked him if, after sweeping all the major awards at such a young age, he had any regrets.
With his arm around Emily Shaw's waist, he said, "I'd like to know how she's been since she left me."
The host hesitated. "She... didn't do very well."
Peter Sullivan finally smiled. "Then I can rest easy."
But the host added, "Before Ms. Quinn passed away, she left behind a box of videotapes."
Peter's smile froze.
On those tapes were the days and nights of my life—from the moment I walked away, to the moment I never woke again.
*****
"Passed away?" Peter was stunned. His hand, which had been resting on Emily's waist, froze.
He then scoffed. "Is this just part of your schtick for the show?"
The host shook his head.
On the large screen behind them, my smiling face appeared. "Hey, everyone. I'm Nina Quinn. Guess what? I just broke up with my boyfriend today.
"Huh? You're asking if I felt sad about dumping a guy with a bright future who was drop-dead gorgeous?"
In the video, the girl, whose head was now completely shaved, was browsing for a wig.
Upon hearing the question, she looked into the camera and smiled. "Not at all. The real heartbreak would be letting him see me like this."
"Hey, why are you shaking? You're going to mess up the shot." I reached out to steady my best friend, Chloe James' trembling hand.
Chloe choked back a sob. "I don't want to film. I'm going to cry my eyes out. I just can't do this anymore..."
"No way. You promised you'd record every single day until I'm gone," I insisted.
Chloe's voice was thick with tears. "Can't I back out?"
"Absolutely not." I pouted, "My grand, flawless final curtain call won't be handed off to anyone else."
Seeing her still weeping, I tugged and shook at the hem of her shirt. "Come on, Chloe, you're all I have left in this world."
Her crying grew louder. "Fine. I'll film, okay?"
*****
[Farewell to the World, 2023.4.17, 9:34 AM—Take Everything You Want]
After years away, I was finally back at my childhood home.
Chloe was right on my heels, phone in hand, as I walked down the narrow dirt path with my dog, Buddy, on the leash.
She then chuckled from the embankment. "Well, now I see why Peter just posted a song on his feed. It was because you made off with Buddy."
I turned my head. "What song? I blocked him right after we broke up."
She replied, "It's Ben Hughes' song, Take Everything You Want."
Chloe and I exchanged a look and couldn't help but laugh. We started singing the song.
"Take everything you want,
"Leave the rest for me to bear.
"Just leave our dog behind,
"Doesn't matter if it's worth..."
Chloe was laughing so hard that tears were in her eyes.
"He only wanted the dog, and you only took the dog. How ironic is that?" she giggled.
Our laughter echoed across the sky.
But soon, it was mixed with quiet sobs.
*****
[Farewell to the World, 2023.4.17, 10:08 AM—Did Buddy Know You Were Leaving?]
I pushed open the old wooden door and brushed away the cobwebs.
I said, "Honestly, I hadn't been home much ever since Peter and I left for Riverside University.
"After Mom and Dad passed away, Peter and I took in Buddy, and this was the very first time I brought him back."
The camera angle shifted, and suddenly I was holding the phone.
"Hey, guys, it's Nina. Time for an immersive deep-clean of the family house," I announced.
Chloe, wearing an apron and holding a broom, frowned. "Excuse me, I'm the one doing all the cleaning here. You, prima donna."
"But I'm the patient here. Cut me some slack, okay?" I pouted.
After a fit of giggles, I stumbled out of the kitchen, soot all over my face and clothes.
Chloe, with a face like thunder, snatched the spatula. "I told you a million times not to cook. You know you can't cook. Get out and sit down."
I coughed and smiled as I sat down.
The minute Chloe went back into the kitchen, my smile faded. I propped the phone on the edge of the table and began to gasp for air.
My hand shook as I took a few breaths before I managed a small smile for the camera. "Sorry, guys. Lately, I've been having more and more trouble breathing. Seriously, I swear I'm actually a decent cook. Watch me brave the kitchen once more."
As I said that and picked up the phone, a furry presence appeared by my feet.
The camera panned down to show Buddy sprawled out by my foot, his eyelids drooping.
"Are you hungry, buddy?" I asked.
I held out a sausage. He kept it by his mouth but stayed put, still lying across the top of my foot.
"Come on, Buddy, I need to go check on Chloe in the kitchen. Up you get," I coaxed.
He didn't budge.
"What's with you today? Why so clingy?" I chuckled.
I petted his fur, which was already dry and brittle. "I get it. Buddy's getting old, too, eh? Can't be bothered to move, can you? Alright then, I'll hang out with you a little longer today."
I leaned back on the sofa. "It's not like I'll have the chance to hang out with you later."
Buddy let out a soft, low whine.