We grew up together. He had always played the part of the warm, caring older brother next door, standing up for me whenever I
was bullied.
When I was ten, I was being mischievous and begged him to stay with me at the amusement park until nine at night. Both sets of
parents were so worried they called the police, finally finding us playing house in a sandbox. He took all the blame, saying it was his fault. That night, his father hit him a dozen times with a feather duster. I cried, insisting it was my idea, but Frank, with a defiant
lift of his brow, insisted it was all on him.
Later, as I grew more beautiful and he more handsome, we became the “golden couple” in everyone’s eyes. I truly believed I had
been given the script for a perfect life.
[When are you free?]
A message from Frank popped up. I wiped a tear from my eye. Before I could even type a question mark, another message came
through.
[Come get your stuff from my place. I’m inviting Angela over in a few days.]
I took a deep breath, calming myself. Less than twenty–four hours ago, we were cuddling on the couch in that apartment, watching a romance movie, our passion leading us late into the night. And now…
I gave a bitter smile. I unpinned his chat from the top of my list and sent a single, detached word: [K.]
I locked myself in my room that day. My parents came home not long after I did.
“The coast is thousands of miles away, Hannah. Once you’re there, coming back will be difficult,” my mom said, watching me cauti- ously. My dad, hiding behind his newspaper, was also sneaking glances at me.
I pulled on my coat. “The weather there is amazing! Isn’t it your dream to retire there?” I smiled and put my arm around her should- er. “The only thing is, the job market isn’t great. I’m thinking of opening my own dance studio… As for performing again, you know I don’t really care about that.”
“But…” my mom frowned; her mouth opening and closing. “Hannah, you…”
I glanced at the time. “It’s fine, Mom. I’m serious about this. I’m fine, and my head is clear. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“You two, on the other hand, should start thinking about the money.” I gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ve got to run. Talk later.
I thought maybe time and distance would heal the pain. I felt a sense of peace. My devout, passionate love had gone unspoken, but at least I hadn’t lost my dignity.
I thought Frank and I could part amicably. I just never expected to be locked out.
I stood at the door, keying in the password again and again.
keying
[INCORRECT PASSWORD]
[INCORRECT PASSWORD]
A flame of anger ignited in my chest. When knocking got no response, my rational mind took over. I remembered I could call him. After a series of beeps, the call was disconnected.
After my fifth attempt, a text came through: [On a date. Do not disturb.]
I took a long breath, resisting the urge to curse him out. [Password.]
The next second, a glaring red exclamation mark stung my eyes,
Frank had deleted me!
