11
“I have a business trip. I’ll pick you up
tomorrow for dinner at the mansion.”
I stared at the text from Cooper.
He was checking in with me.
I read it again and again.
I didn’t reply.
Why would he check in with me?
It didn’t matter. →
Г
I put down my bag and picked up an old
photo from the shelf.
It was a picture of me at eight, with my
parents.
The photo was covered in dust.
So was the living room.
I hadn’t been home in a long time.
This was where I grew up.
This was where I kept my memories of my
parents.
I clutched the photo and slumped to the floor.
L
I saw Willow.
She was wearing her school uniform, with her
hair in a ponytail.
She was sixteen, full of life.
But she was pouting.
“Why would you leave my brother?”
“Are you even listening to me?”
I was afraid of scaring her. “I’m listening.”
“Then go find my brother. He’ll be sad without
you.”
Willow pleaded.
Г
I pulled out my phone.
I opened my chat with Cooper.
“Willow, what should I say to him?”
Willow wrung her hands. “Anything! He’ll be
happy with anything you say!”
Was that true?
I was about to type when a news alert popped
- up.
“Sinclair Heir Cooper Sinclair and Janie
Spotted at Temple, Wedding Bells Soon.”
I swiped to see it.
く
There was his handsome face.
He was with Janie.
“Willow, I think my brother doesn’t need me.”
I looked up, confused.
Willow stared at the photo.
“He won’t.”
She started to cry. “He really loves you.”
“His study is filled with your paintings and
your crafts!”
“He always said he would marry you when he
grew up. Have you forgotten?”
く
I opened my mouth. “I haven’t forgotten.”
Willow stopped crying.
“Go find my brother. You’re supposed to grow
old together.”
“I…” I looked around.
“I want to go home.”
My parents were waiting for me.
“I have to go, Willow.”
My mother opened her arms. My father was
next to her, smiling.
I ran towards them.
Г
It had been so long since my mother held me.
My parents were fading.
I was afraid they would leave me.
I ran faster and faster.
I didn’t care that Willow was crying.
“Don’t cry, Willow.
I’m going home.”
