“And besides, he’s the one who hurt Cady,” she added, her tone turning sharp. “Thank goodness the doctor said she’s fine. If anything had happened to her, that bullet wouldn’t have just hit Garland’s arm.”
She pulled me into her arms, holding me tightly, as if afraid someone would take me away.
“From now on, no one is allowed to hurt you or Cady,” she whispered. “Whoever tries—I’ll make sure they regret it.”
For seven straight days, we traveled together. She stayed by my side, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like the world belonged to just the three of us.
Garland’s POV
On the day I was discharged, I received a text message.
[Your identity cancellation has been successfully processed.]
Ashwyn had already packed my suitcase.
“Your essentials are ready, bro. If anything’s missing, just buy it once you get to Norway,” he said.
I nodded, and the two of us took a cab straight to the airport.
Standing outside the terminal, Ashwyn gave me a long, searching look.
“Bro… if you change your mind, there’s still time,” he said hesitantly.
I shook my head and smiled faintly. “Nah. I’m just wondering… why didn’t I see through it all sooner and leave earlier?”
Then I took a deep breath, snapped my SIM card in half, and tossed it into the trash.
“Let’s go,” I urged.
Boarding passes in hand, we walked straight onto the plane.
Ashwyn and I left New Jersey without looking back.
