2
I opened my phone and seed my manager, Sarah
I’ve thought it over I’ll join the team for the overseas training program next méméh ”
Though my hearing was a serback, fare had given me a unique gift an incredibly keen sense of sole and embercs. Ar 24. I was already making a name for myself in jewelry design My pieces were highly sought after by celebrities and collectors. If Ethan wax my redeemer, jewelry dérégn was my shelter and destination
The company valued me, they’d offered to send me abroad a week ago to learn about cutting–edge design. But the school was gated, and the idea of a long–distance relationship with Ethan had made e hesitant
“Natalie, aren’t you getting married Sarah’s reply popped up.
The word “married felt like a poisoned dart, stinging my eyes. I typed back decisively, “No, I’m noe.”
Ambition trumped romance. It was time for me to woke up.
Soon, I received my flight confirmation for October 29th. I put my phone down, got up to wash. Then I got another notification. It was Chloe → the updated her Instagram.
The caption read: Finally, I’m going to share life’s adventures with the man of my dreams
The video showed Ethan saying, “Chloe, if you like it, let’s get this ring”
My eyes burned I shut off my phone. Then, I grabbed a red pen and circled my departure date on the calendar Fifteen days left.
Ethan didn’t come home that night I only saw his late–night text the following morning I didn’t reply. I looked in the mirror, composed myself, and prepared for work. As I passed the entryway, I paused, then put on my hearing aid
I opened the door and bumped into Ethan, who had just come back Bloodshot eyes gaunt face. He looked like he hadn’t slept in a day. But when he saw me, his expression softened He handed me a bag “Forgot breakfast again, huh?
“I already ate I’m heading to work”
I wanted to walk away, but he grabbed my hand
Ethan signed, “Natalie, it’s your hearing appointment today. Go get checked”
My heart skipped a beat My period, my birthday, my hearing checkups he remembered them all better than my alarm dock. He used to say he hoped that the first thing I heard after regaining my hearing would be his voice “Then you’ll fall in love with me again, and we’ll never be span.”
Before I could react, he pulled me towards the hospital
On the way to the audiology department, several times I almost blurted out that I could hear. But a nurse interrupted me
Dr. Riley, Miss Parker in Room 3 is having a breakdown. She cut her arm and won’t let us treat it. We can’t handle her, you need to joy see har”
Three months ago, Chloe was diagnosed with severe depression She self–injured when she was depressed and broke things when she was emotional Basically, she needed constant supervision. Her family and the hospital staff couldn’t do anything about her Only Ethan could calme her down and get her to cooperate with treatment
Ethan’s face tightened He released my hand and rushed to the ward Midway there, he paused turning back to me with a hemnant lock.
“Natalie, 1…
Seeing his struggle, 1 said, “Go ahead I’m fine on my own
His brow relaxed “Okay Send me the results”
Then, he left without looking back
Once he disappeared, I added silently to myself, “Ethan Riley, when I said I’m fine on my own, I mean I’m without you, forever”
0205
