Chapter 2

The moment I boarded the train, my stomach started churning like crazy.

I leaned against the window, eyes closed, my palms slick with sweat.

But Ethan was like a sparrow that couldn't keep still.

He pointed at the sky with a grin. "Madeline, look! That cloud looks like cotton candy."

Before anyone could answer, he turned to me. "Charles, do you want some water? Madeline got me this cup. It keeps drinks warm for ages."

His gaze drifted back across the endless grasslands. "Do you think there are giant—"

"Can you keep it down?" I finally snapped.

Ethan's smile froze, then slowly faded away.

"Sorry, Charles. I thought you'd be as excited as I am," he said, his voice dropping.

Before Ethan could finish, Madeline's brows furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line.

"He's a kid. So, what if he's a bit more talkative when he's happy?" Madeline murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You never used to be like this. What's going on with you lately?" she asked quietly.

Before, I was always worried about making her upset.

So when Ethan wouldn't stop talking, I'd smile and nod.

But today, I was too tired.

I didn't say another word.

The meds kicked in, and I drifted off into a groggy sleep.

Half-asleep, I caught Madeline's soft voice.

She murmured, "Pick out the bell peppers. Don't eat those."

"Pull your blanket up. It's chilly at night," she added.

She tugged Ethan's blanket up a little higher.

I opened my eyes and saw Ethan fast asleep, his head resting on Madeline's shoulder.

Madeline's hand hovered uncertainly in the air, as if she wanted to reach out, but then she quietly pulled it back.

I closed my eyes again.

The blanket was so thin, the chill kept creeping in.

By the time we pulled into the station, night had already fallen.

I dragged my suitcase onto the platform.

I looked up and saw the words "Norvale Grasslands" glowing in the twilight.

I stood there, rooted to the spot. This wasn't Azure Ridge.

I turned around and saw Madeline helping Ethan with his stuff, her face still touched by that lingering gentleness.

I asked, my voice trembling, "Weren't we supposed to go to Azure Ridge? Six years ago, we promised we'd go."

Madeline straightened up and said, "It's still a trip, isn't it? Norvale Grasslands is beautiful. You can ride horses, wander the grasslands. And didn't you always say you wanted to see the stars?"

"But you said," I started, my voice catching.

But the words stuck in my throat.

She always said the sky in Azure Ridge was the bluest, and she promised you'd take me there.

She told me that on our wedding night. I never forgot.

Madeline spoke in a flat, almost distant tone, "Ethan keeps going on about Norvale Grasslands lately. It's a getaway. Does it make a difference where we go?"

It did make a difference.

Maybe it was the look on my face that gave me away.

Madeline walked over, her voice softening. "Charles, next time. Let's let Ethan have this one, okay? Once we're back, I'll have my secretary book a trip for you, alright?"

Six years ago, she said we'd make up for the honeymoon next time.

Then she said she was too busy with her promotion, and we'd make it up next time.

Year after year, it kept slipping by.

I ended up with a mountain of next times. They felt like a weight on my heart.

But she never kept a single one of those promises.

For the first time, I was truly straightforward.

"No," I replied, my voice firm.

Madeline froze.

"Why should I make way for him? He's nothing to me," I snapped, my voice sharp.

The air went dead silent.

Ethan's eyes welled up with tears, and he took a step back.

"Charles, I didn't know you hated me. Fine, I'll go. I'll leave right now," Ethan said, his voice trembling.

He turned to leave.

Madeline reached out and took hold of his wrist.

When she turned back to me, her gaze turned icy.

she said, her voice cold as ice, "Charles, you're being ridiculous.

"I'm taking him to the hotel. Come over when you've cooled off."

She led Ethan away, their silhouettes growing smaller as they walked off.

The station's announcements droned on, and soon, they were gone from sight.

I stood there, rooted to the spot.

The crowd surged past me.

Not a single person stopped to look at me.

Then, my phone buzzed.

[Don't make things difficult. When you feel better, come over by taxi.]

[I'll send someone to pick you up. Don't spoil everyone's trip.]