Get Out of the Cage

Melanie used to think the face mask was one of Ken's peculiar quirks. Now that she knew the truth, all she felt was disgust.

She pushed him away in revulsion, taking off the mask. "Ken, I don't want this."

Ken was rarely refused by her, so he seemed a little disappointed. "Is it that time of the month?"

"Yeah."

Melanie, drained from dealing with him, walked out. She wasn't surprised that he came back to coax her—Jennifer had probably ditched him again.

Melanie scrolled through Jennifer's social media account.

Sure enough, Jennifer's latest post read, [My uncle heard I was done with filming and came to visit me. He really spoils me! We went out together, and so many people asked if he was my boyfriend. Do you think we really look like a couple? (embarrassed emoji)]

The post included a photo of her with her uncle.

Underneath was a comment from Ken's closest friend, Wayne Shelton.

[Ken's been in love with you for years. Whatever you asked him to do, he'd do it. Even if you told him to die, he'd do it! Why did you reject his confession a few days ago and flirt with another man? Are you just treating him like a dog you play with?]

Jennifer replied, [Ken has always been my good friend. My uncle is just someone I respect.]

Wayne shot back, [Respect, my ass! Are you even related to him by blood? You're just an orphan he took in!]

There were plenty of other comments below.

Melanie let out a cold laugh. "So you two fought again, and now you've come running back to me."

She stopped scrolling, turned off her phone, and continued packing her things.

If Ken paid attention, he would have noticed that many of her belongings were missing. However, he didn't notice anything unusual.

As Melanie double-checked to ensure she hadn't left anything behind, Ken came over with her calendar in his hand.

"I saw that you crossed out all the days this week and wrote 'the last day' here. What's that supposed to mean?"

She glanced at the calendar in his hand, unfazed. "It's nothing."

Ken smiled knowingly. "I get it. You're reminding me that tomorrow's our eighth anniversary, right? How could I forget such an important day? Don't worry, I've got it all planned out."

"Yeah."

Melanie let him think what he wanted. She didn't care anymore. If he wanted to celebrate tomorrow, fine. She'd take the opportunity to officially break up with him.

As soon as Melanie woke up the next morning, Ken was standing in front of her with a large bouquet of red roses.

"Melanie, happy eighth anniversary!"

"Okay."

Melanie accepted the flowers and casually put them down somewhere nearby, showing none of her previous excitement to take photos and share them online. She also didn't bother to remind him that her favorite flowers were pink lilies, not red roses.

Ken looked surprised. "Don't you like them? I'll get you something else next time."

"Okay."

Whatever. There wouldn't be a next time.

Ken still didn't notice anything wrong with Melanie's mood.

After giving her the flowers, he accompanied her to the home theater to watch a romantic movie. It was one he and Jennifer had starred in.

Ken was engrossed but Melanie was indifferent, scrolling through her phone the entire time.

At noon, Ken surprisingly prepared a full meal on his own. He even opened a bottle of vintage red wine, pouring a glass for each of them.

Ken pulled out a chair for Melanie. Once she sat down, he raised his glass to her. "Melanie, happy eighth anniversary!"

Melanie had no desire to clink glasses with him. She was about to bring up their breakup and leave.

"Ken, we need to—"

Right at that moment, Ken's phone buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID, hesitated for a moment, and canceled it.

But when the call came in again, he quickly answered, sounding a bit restrained. "Why are you calling me? You've already rejected me."

"Ken, I feel so awful! Can you come and be with me?"

Jennifer's tearful voice came through the line, instantly dissipating any irritation Ken had.

"Where are you? I'll come right away!"

He hung up, grabbed his coat, and rushed out.

"Ken—"

Melanie called out to him, but he didn't even stop. All he said was, "Wait for me!"

He got into his car and disappeared from her sight. Melanie looked at the table full of food, and let out a mocking laugh.

Wait for him? Hadn't she waited long enough?

Clearly, there was no need for any formal goodbyes.

She crossed out the 30th on her calendar, pulled out her small suitcase, and sent Ken a text.

[Let's break up, Ken.]

With that, she left for the airport without hesitation.

She had loved him for eight years, but it only took her eight days to erase every trace of that love.

From that day forth, she never wanted to see him again.