Three hours later, as I was settling into my new, temporary hideout, my phone rang. Max’s name flashed on the screen. I answered, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation.
“Val, where the hell are you?! What kind of drama is it this time, huh?” he demanded. “Why did you leave without a trace?”
I took a deep breath. “I’m done, Max. I’m not coming back.”
“What? You can’t just leave like this!” he shouted. “Get back here now!”
“No. Go be with Sandy. You’re happy with her anyway.”
“You’ll regret this."
“I doubt it,” I replied, my voice unwavering. “This is goodbye, Max.”
“You can’t just walk away from everything we’ve built, Val! Think about what we’ve been through together.”
I laughed. “What we’ve been through? You mean all the lies and betrayal? The nights you left me for Sandy?”
“It’s not what you think, Val!” he insisted. “I can explain.”
“I don’t need your explanations anymore, Max. I’ve waited too long for you to change. But that was never going to happen.”
“So, what? You think running away is going to solve anything?” he scoffed. “You’re making a mistake.”
“No, Max. Staying with you was the mistake. Leaving you is the best decision I’ve made in years.”
“You think you’re better off without me?” he sneered. “You’re nothing without the Red Blood Gang!”
“I’m more than just the gang! Go be with Sandy. You're happy with her anyway.”
“Val—” he started, but I cut him off.
“This conversation is over. Goodbye.”
I hung up, feeling a wave of relief. For the first time in years, I felt truly free.
This was my chance to start over, to prove myself.
The clock neared 9 p.m. and I waited. Whoever the reaper was, or whatever he wanted, I’d face him head-on.
I don't run from challenges. I embraced them. And this was just the beginning.
Soon, someone came.
"You're finally here," he said.
And I? I stepped back, shocked.
Is he really the reaper?
