Chapter 2

When I stepped into the house, the emptiness hit me harder than usual. Slumping onto the couch, I mindlessly scrolled through my phone until Kaia Black’s latest post caught my eye. It was a photo of her and Samuel Peters sharing Thanksgiving dinner. Her caption read, 'Just like old times—the food, the company.'

So, he’d gone out with Kaia again. I should’ve been used to it by now—Samuel spent more time with her than with me.

We’d met in college, and for me, it was love at first sight. After graduation, I was determined not to let it end, so I left behind my friends, a promising career, and even my family to move with him to the small Alpine town where he grew up. That’s when I first learned about Kaia Black, his childhood friend who was practically family.

Samuel and Kaia had grown up together in an orphanage. Kaia had epilepsy since she was a kid, and the other children avoided her—everyone except Samuel. He became her only friend, her only 'family.' Whenever she had a seizure, Samuel would drop everything to be by her side. It happened during meals, on trips, even when I was sick in bed.

Countless mornings, I’d sit up alone after Samuel left, reminding myself to stay calm, telling myself these were just small sacrifices. But when the small things pile up, they can crush you. I couldn’t take it anymore.

I called my parents and told them I wanted to come home, to return to where I belonged. To my surprise, they were overjoyed.

'We’ve been hoping you’d come back,' my mom said. 'Your dad and I are getting older, and we need you. By the way, is Samuel coming with you?'

'He’s not coming. Not now, not ever.'

There was a brief pause before my mom sighed. 'Sweetheart, if you’re hurting, just come home. Your dad and I will always support your decision.'

A lump formed in my throat as I hung up and started searching for jobs back home. There was nothing for me in this sleepy town. My degree was in chip manufacturing, and there was zero demand for that in a place that rolled up its sidewalks by nine.

Back in my bustling hometown, though, chip manufacturing was booming. It didn’t take long before I found a company that matched my expertise and sent in my application.

Just as I hit 'send' on my resume, Samuel walked in carrying a box of pulled pork.

'Here, I brought this for you,' he said.

I muttered a half-hearted 'thanks.'

He frowned, letting out an impatient sigh as he set the food on the table. 'Still upset?'

'No.'

'I know you’re mad, but Kaia and I grew up together, looking out for each other...'

'I said I’m not upset; I’m just tired.'

When the warmth fades, all that’s left is exhaustion and apathy. I didn’t want to hear another word about how he and Kaia were like siblings. Cutting him off, I stood up, ready to escape to the bedroom.

Samuel called after me, his voice a mix of frustration and desperation. 'Indy, you have to understand, Kaia isn’t like you. She doesn’t have parents who love her, no siblings or friends. She’s not surrounded by love like you are.'

'She… she’s only got me!' he added.

I turned to face him, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. 'I know. I understand. I’ve let you go to her, haven’t I? What else have I done wrong?'

Samuel looked stunned, stepping forward as if to explain further. But I was done listening. I strode into the bedroom and shut the door behind me.