Abandoned at Reunion

I wanted to call him again, to have a straightforward conversation. But this time, he didn't answer at all. He didn't respond to my WhatsApp messages either. I crouched down on the ground, tears stinging my eyes as they began to fall steadily. I remember when I wasn't like this. How did I become so fragile, so quick to cry?

I went to my friend Lia's house and poured out everything that had happened today, then had a few glasses of whiskey. We watched the heavy snow outside the window, and she just held me in silence. Then I started crying again, and she quickly wiped away my tears.

"Makayla, you weren't like this before," she said. "The Makayla I know handles things decisively and with a free spirit. If this relationship is truly making you unhappy, I hope you can be like you used to be and cut ties cleanly."

Lia's words left me speechless. The old me really did handle things without hesitation. Back when Kason wanted to move south, I wanted to stay in the north. Another woman might have followed him, but in my twenties, I was ambitious, believing that nothing should stand in the way of my life—especially not a man. So, I divorced him.

Now, why have I become like this? Is it just aging, longing for a place to belong?

That night, I drank way too much.

Kason was all I could think about, and I felt the urge to call or message him on WhatsApp. But then, I scrolled through my Facebook feed and saw a post from him. It was a picture of Priscilla in a hospital bed, making a goofy face. His caption read: "Adorable."

Adorable, my foot!

Suddenly, I was completely sober. What on earth had I been in love with?

In a fit of rage, I sent Kason a stream of voice messages, calling him a heartless jerk and telling him I wanted to break up.

And then, I passed out.

When I woke up, I found myself in Kason's arms, just as he was stepping out of Olivia's place.

I immediately tried to wriggle free, but he said, "Hold still. Olivia said you had too much to drink last night, and I don't want you suffering the aftereffects."

He carefully eased me into the car and then apologized, "Yesterday was my fault."

"I was just anxious because Priscilla doesn't know anyone else in the city."

"That's why I said those harsh words to you."

"I've planned a surprise for you. Can you forgive me?"

"But you said she was adorable."

"She posted that herself. I've already taken it down."

Then he took my hand.

"Makayla, you have to believe me. You're the only one in my heart. I came back to Richmond just for you."

Though Kason grew up in the north, he has a charming way with words and the politeness of a southern gentleman. It's no wonder so many girls have been drawn to him.

But he only fell for this tomboy—me.

He put a lot of effort into winning me over.

If not for our past disagreements, we might have had a kid by now.

Suddenly, I remembered my grandmother's words.

She was ill, and her last wish was to see me settle down with someone good.

She said, "Makayla, you’re not getting any younger. When I'm gone, what will you do alone? I can't rest easy thinking about it."

Snapping back to reality, I wiped away my tears.

"Alright then, let's see this surprise you've planned."

Kason took me to the house he had bought for me. It was beautifully decorated and ready for us to move in. As soon as I opened the door, a massive bouquet of roses greeted me from the living room.

"Makayla, check out the surprise Kason set up for you!" Suddenly, several of Kason’s friends appeared, popping party poppers.

Kason gently took my hand. "Makayla, I really love you. I’ve changed the date for our marriage license."

Just as I was about to respond, a woman’s voice came from the doorway.

"Kason, I'm not feeling well. Could you help me get some medicine?"

It was Priscilla. How did she find us here? And in the middle of winter, she wore just a thin coat.

Kason quickly let go of my hand, grabbed a jacket from the entrance, and draped it over her shoulders.

"Get the medicine yourself. I'm tied up."

"Kason, I really feel awful..." Her voice was soft, her nose red, eyes brimming with tears, looking as if a gentle breeze could make her cry.

Part of me almost felt sorry for her, but Kason remained cold and unmoved, saying, "Hurry up and leave. You’re not welcome here."

Suddenly, tears began streaming down her face.

"Fine, I'm going, I'm going..."