You Picked Her, I Picked a Life Without You

I tried to remember what went on last night when I woke up this morning. When I nodded to the man who brought me to this inn in a very sleepy state.

My body was numb, probably from playing on the ice for so long, falling over and over again, taking too much punishment for my own body. When I touched my forehead, it hurt. My head was throbbing, and for some reason my body was shaking.

I grabbed my bag and ran out of the inn. As I reached for the taxi door, someone stood in my way.

"Daisy? Where are you going?" it was Liam's voice.

I looked around for a moment. "I'm going home and I'm going to give this taxi a try."

My tone was frosty, slightly sarcastic. But he didn't budge. His eyes ranged over my shivering figure as I hugged my jacket tighter around me.

"Let me take you there," he said.

I shook my head. "No need!"

But Liam refused to move.

"Are you sick? Your lips are white."

Without even questioning, he touched my forehead, and then pulled back his hand in shock.

"You have a fever. Come, I'll take you."

His hand gripped mine so hard as if he did not want to let me go.

"Why are you concerned? In case someone sees you here with me. Then they will pick up other signals. And everyone knows you are marrying Jessica." I spat at him.

His eyes were locked. But I couldn't read his expression in time. My body suddenly went limp. My vision blurred.

The last thing I remembered. Liam panicked and screamed for me to address him by his name.

I woke up in a warm blanket. Still dizzy and tired, but the aroma of chicken broth filled the air, warming up the chaos in my body.

Liam's hand pressed a cold towel to my forehead.

“You’re awake, huh?” Liam’s voice was soft.

I looked at him. His stern face was no longer hard. The room was quiet, the only noise audible was breathing.

"Then what?" I croaked.

"You fainted because of a high fever. So… I brought you home. The doctor checked you beforehand, you'll be fine."

Relief slowly crept into my body.

"Ah, you must eat first. Then your medicine. I'll feed you, okay? I prepared this for you," she said, holding up a bowl of steaming soup.

"Liam, you don't have to—"

"Don't say that," he cut in gently. His eyes were deep and genuine. He spooned the soup, blew gently, and then fed it to me.

When he'd eaten, he brushed my cheek with his thumb.

Seeing him laugh, I too smiled. His laughter at sharing light things dissipated the disappointment that hung there. In some sense, the old feeling returned once more.

When he used to come and take me home from college, he sat in his car with a smile to greet me.

"Don't worry. I'm here. Take a rest, Daisy."

I shut my eyes. His touch lulled me into his arms. I felt like I missed him and needed him.

"Sleep first, Daisy. I'll take care of you."

His hug was so soft, the slap on my back was so reassuring. I chose to dissolve in the warmth he radiated, shutting my eyes, with serenity, wishing time would freeze for a moment.

Morning approaches. I woke up with a light head, my fever had broken.

Liam woke up who slept next to me.

"Good morning, Daisy. How are you? Are you much better?" he asked with a smile that always softened my heart.

I nodded.

"Yes. It seems like my fever has gone down," I replied.

"Wait a minute, I'll check!" He lightly touched my forehead.

"You've had enough rest and your condition is much better." He smiled happily, as if pleased to see my improvement.

I nodded. "Because you have taken care of me."

Liam didn't have time to answer. But his phone rang. It was found that there were several missed calls from Jessica. And there were a few messages which Jessica sent and in which the woman needed Liam.

I witnessed Liam get up and get up from my bed.

"I have to go to the hospital. Jessica needs me." I scowled at him in disappointment as Liam hurried away, the heat seemingly lost from me that instant.

I gasped for air. "Can you stay this time?"

He shook his head. "Sorry Daisy, Jessica needs me now."

And then I understood, Liam never changed. He left me.

I laughed with bitterness. It was foolish to ever have hoped for anything more.

I forced myself to stand, writing a letter in trembling hands. I took off the necklace he gave me and put it on my bedside table. Earlier, he wanted the necklace to be a reminder to keep him in mind and, in the process, also protect me when Liam was not around. But now I do not want to wear it anymore.

Freya and Grandma saw me off from the airport in the afternoon.

"Hold on well, dear friend." Freya hugged me warmly, tearfully from authentic sincerity, while we parted ways. We held on to each other like two siblings who did not want to release one another. Then alternately, I hugged my grandma.

"Don't forget to inform me when you arrive. And be in touch with me often," my grandmother instructed. Her tears could no longer be held, and so could mine.

I stepped away, waving my arms to release the heavy burden. The two real figures warmly waved. They embraced each other to encourage themselves, and observed me leave.

Now, I no longer cry for Liam. I have to move on and pursue my dreams and ambitions without him.