Ethan thought I was easy to appease and couldn't live without him.
Well, he was in for a surprise this time.
I stepped outside into the sunshine and fresh air, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.
I was finally free from the exhausting pretense.
I had already rented a new place while I was in the hospital.
As soon as I arrived, my phone buzzed incessantly. It was the school group chat, full of notifications.
Lily had posted a photo of Ethan feeding her with a heartfelt caption.
[Thank you, Ethan, for always being there for me. Without you, I don't know what I would have done.]
[It's so wonderful to have someone by your side!]
Ethan's reply was casual, downplaying it as if it were no big deal.
I had just left, and they were already flaunting their closeness.
Were they mocking me for being alone?
The group chat erupted with comments, joking that I was about to storm in and create a scene.
I shook my head and laughed, typing into the group chat. [You two are practically inseparable. Why not just get married already?]
Instantly, the chat exploded with question marks and exclamation points.
Ethan and Lily both fell silent.
Moments later, Ethan messaged me privately in a demanding tone. [Emma, what do you mean? Stirring things up in the group chat isn't helping.]
[You misunderstood. I was being sincere.]
I replied nonchalantly, then tossed my phone aside and continued unpacking.
The phone didn't buzz again.
Ethan probably thought I was just throwing a tantrum and that I'd come running back to him within 48 hours.
But inside, I felt nothing.
My legs needed another week of rest before I could ditch the wheelchair. During that time, I kept myself busy with books on psychology, rekindling an old interest.
There was a time when I couldn't focus on anything without Ethan, constantly checking my phone for his messages.
Even a simple reply from him used to bring me some relief.
Now, I found peace in being alone. I read, watched shows, and played with the neighbor's pets.
Ethan messaged me a few times, his tone softer, asking me to calm down and even inquiring about where I was staying.
I sent him a reply. [None of your business.]
He also called a few times, but I didn't pick up.
Then, Ethan's mother called.
"Emma.
"Why did you move out? Even if you and Ethan had a fight, you shouldn't do something so reckless. What if you get scammed?