Chapter 13
Across the ocean, abroad, I had heard about Keith from friends back home. I thought I’d feel upset, but my heart was strangely calm.
I realized that the rich, smooth wine and the vast, endless ocean had already healed me.
Once, I thought Keith was the best guy in the world. My affection for him had made him shine like gold. Now that the illusion had worn off, I saw him for what he truly was.
He was no different from anyone else.
When I found out that he’d spent a fortune online trying to track me down, I didn’t worry. The small town where I lived was peaceful and relaxed, and no one paid much attention to online gossip.
Keith would never find me.
But I did underestimate the power of money.
Two months after I settled in the town, Keith arrived.
In just two months, he had changed. He was gaunt, frail, and looked like a shadow of his former self.
I had never seen him like this before, and a small part of me was moved.
He was wheeled in by bodyguards his cracked lips trembling as tears fall from bis–oves landing on his hand
Seeing his worn–out appearance had once stirred a small twinge of pity in me, but now, as I watched him pretend to be so full of feeling, I only felt repulsed.
I remembered the way he had been with Mildred, tangled up in each other day and night, and any sympathy I might have felt vanished.
The boy who once loved me kept telling me over and over not to forgive him.
I spoke coldly, “Keith, you know… once you lose me, you lose me forever. I won’t look back.”
Keith’s eyes, swollen and red, searched mine. “Cynthia, is there really no chance for us anymore?”
I nodded, my voice firm. “Go now. The fact that I’m able to not hate you is the most I can do.”
Keith hesitated as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he simply whispered, “Cynthia, I’ll love you forever.”
Then, he was escorted out by the bodyguards.
I thought this time Keith wouldn’t come looking for me again.
It was time for me to start my own life.
The End
