I crouched on the floor, clutching that rebooking form, helpless.
Four years ago, Colin was just a first officer. His coworkers froze him out. He nearly lost his job.
My father vouched for him. That's the only reason he stayed.
Back then, Colin held me and swore he'd never let my parents down. Never let me down.
Now he'd severed my last chance to see my father with his own hands.
My eyes burned. I scrambled to find another way.
Trains—sold out. Buses—full.
My car—Colin had borrowed it. I didn't even know where it was parked.
I hired a driver at triple the rate and raced down the highway through the night.
Dad, wait for me.
As we cleared the toll booth, my phone buzzed.
Scarlett had posted an update.
Landed! My best bro came through—made it to the game right on time.
The picture showed her sitting in the gym, smiling carefree, middle finger raised at the camera.
Colin had replied instantly in the comments:
[Of course, guaranteed reliable!]
Watching them flirt back and forth made my blood boil.
I took several deep breaths, then opened my phone and sent a file.
The whole way there, I kept urging the driver to go faster.
Half an hour later, Mom called again.
My heart sank. Dread spread through my chest.
I answered with trembling hands. On the other end—dead silence.
Then a wail of heart-wrenching sobs.
"Elise… your dad… is gone."
"At the end he kept staring at the doorway. His eyes never closed…"
My whole body shook. I went limp in the back seat.
By the time I rushed to the memorial hall, it was already noon the next day.
Dad lay alone in the refrigerated coffin, dressed in the burial clothes Mom had bought.
I knelt on the floor, clutching his icy, stiff hand, crying until I nearly passed out.
Just a little bit more time—just a little bit.
I numbly exchanged pleasantries with relatives who came to pay respects.
The funeral was almost over when Colin finally showed up.
And trailing behind him was Scarlett, dressed in a riot of colors.
Colin's gaze swept over the portrait in the hall. His eyes looked sad, yet carried a trace of relief that was hard to miss.
"Elise, my condolences."
"Dad was sick for so many years. Passing on is also a release."
His hypocritical words made my skin crawl.
"If you hadn't made me give up my seat to avoid suspicion, I wouldn't have arrived a day late."
"My dad was waiting for me. He died without seeing me…"
Colin's expression stiffened.