“Oh, Iris,” she gasps.
“I’m sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“You weren’t,” she scolds. “You marry someone because it’s whatyoudesire, when you’re absolutely ready, whether it’s in your twenties, thirties, or your forties, not because it’ll make your family happy. You can never sacrifice your future like that. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“Your papa and I only care about your happiness. Live your life on your own terms and timeline, nobody else’s.”
“I will, Ma. I won’t ever make the same mistake.”
“Good.” She presses a kiss against my temple.
The hours pass by slowly as we reminisce over the fun and loving flashbacks of the time spent withDadu. How the four of us could stay in our happy little bubble, forgetting about the world outside. The space he’s left behind will never be filled.
Halfway into boxing his things, my dad joins us. His eyes glisten as he looks around, while flashing a small smile for our sake. I walk up to him and hug him.
“It’s good to have you home, kiddo,” he softly says. “Though I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Me too.”
“Did you eat?” Concern laces his voice as he gives me a once-over. “You’ve lost weight. Don’t neglect your health.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
He shakes his head. “I’m a dad. It’s my job to worry about you. If not for us, then eat for Kian. He barely touches the food on his plate when he’s here either.”
My heart sinks. I’ve been wrapped up so much in my own grief that I didn’t realize it’s affecting my man too. I can’t stand him neglecting his health.
“I’ll take care of myself, Papa.”
He smiles in relief.
The doorbell ringing startles us. I read six p.m. on the clock. “Must be Kian. I’ll get it.”
Exiting the room, I run downstairs. The thought of seeing him gives me an energy boost. Unlocking the door, I greet, “Hey, lov—”
My face pales when I see who it is.
“Nathan,” I hiss, as he stands on my door with a somber expression. His put-together appearance with his hair perfectly slicked back tells me he came straight from work. “What are you doing here?”
His gaze roams over my face, a flicker of worry as he notices the bags underneath my eyes. He opens his mouth and bites off whatever he’s about to say. Instead, he quietly informs me, “I came to pay my respects to your parents and… you. I know how much your grandfather meant to you.”
The audacity. “Go away, Nathan.”
“Iris—”
“We’re not friends anymore,” I harshly taunt. “Stop pretending you’re a decent guy or that you give a shit about me.”
“I am truly sorry for your loss.”
My anger rises. “What are you trying to accomplish here, Nathan? Either be a bad guy or a good friend. You can’t be both. Now leave and don’t ever show your face again.”
Stepping inside, I slam the door in his face. I don’t move until I hear his car drive away. Walking to the kitchen, I distract myself by cooking dinner while I wait for Kian to come home. We’re both having a full meal tonight.
***
I toss and turn in my bed, unable to sleep alone as the clock strikes two in the morning. The sadness clinging to the walls and the pin-drop silence making it difficult to relax.
