Goodbye, Let's Not Meet Again

I hadn't slept for nights then, so Violet and Hazel took me to the Ferris wheel.

They told me this was as close to heaven as I could get—that if I talked here, Dad would hear every word.

"Dad, don't worry about me. I can take care of myself, and I'll make you proud!"

Back home, I tossed everything I wasn't taking with me and filled up the trash bins.

I looked around my empty room, sighing.

My last day there happened to be the anniversary of Dad's death.

Early that morning, I saw Violet and Hazel, all dressed and ready, waiting downstairs with bouquets.

They'd never missed this day. No matter what, they'd always come with me to Dad's grave.

"Henderson, we'll go with you to visit your dad today."

I didn't want any fights, so I just nodded and got ready to go.

But then, right as I was about to get in the front seat, Violet put out a hand.

"Maybe you should sit in the back. You know, safer that way."

I'd already seen it—the [Prince Callum's Throne] sign stuck right on the backrest of the seat that used to be mine. But I kept my mouth shut and just climbed into the back seat.

Violet gave me a weird look a few times.

"What's with you today? You're acting…different."

Yeah, I wasn't picking another fight with her over their obvious bias.

I just closed my eyes, ignoring their occasional side glances.

Midway there, Hazel's phone rang—it was Callum.

"Hazel, it's my parents' wedding anniversary today. They'd love to see you guys. You free?"

The second she hung up, she and Violet exchanged a glance and turned to me. "Hey, Callum needs us for something. How about you go ahead? We'll catch up later."

My mom and Callum's dad's wedding anniversary—it's my dad's death anniversary!

Violet and Hazel used to complain about it with me, and now they couldn't ditch me fast enough to party.

Wow, just when I thought this couldn't be more messed up!

In the end, I could only nod and get out of the car with the bouquets.

The second I hit the sidewalk, they sped off without a look back.

At Dad's grave, I made my goodbyes, and then I went home, grabbed my suitcase, and stepped out of the villa.

"Violet, Hazel, wish you three the best. Here's to never crossing paths again!"