Chapter 4

I wanted to tell him I was headed northwest for the Rural Teaching Support Program. That this was it—he and I were done.

But the words choked.

Why bother? He'd just laugh.

"I'm moving into the teacher's dorm. Nadia can have the room."

His face relaxed, even looked kinda smug.

"Good. I'm glad you are sensible. Nadia's only staying two weeks. After that, you can come back. I'll help you move."

Yeah, I already knew where she'd end up.

He reached out to help. I brushed him off.

"No need. I've got it."

Dragging my suitcase out, I heard Nadia behind me, all soft and sweet.

"With Elya gone, who's gonna cook for us?"

Ivan reassured her,

"I'll pay Mrs. Peterson next door. It's freezing—you'll get frostbite."

I glanced back. Nadia's hands were pale, delicate.

Mine were cracked, purple, bleeding.

He never pitied me. Not once.

I laughed under my breath and stepped into the storm.

***

I sent in my app for the Rural Teaching Support Program.

The principal looked bummed but didn't fight it—he knew I was set on going.

I started prepping for the trip. Money was tight, but the program kicked in a small allowance—just enough to cover the basics.

I’d just gotten the heads-up from one of the program staff—be at the train station at 8:30 in two days—when Ivan showed up.

His face screamed suspicion.

"Who was that? What were you talking about?"

I kept it chill.

"Nothing major. What do you want?"

He scowled, not loving my attitude.

"Mom wants us married. I'll swing by at 8 a.m. the day after tomorrow—we'll get the license."

That threw me. Why the sudden rush from him and Olenna?

His eyes darted—guilt flashing underneath.

"Once we're married, you can stay home with my mom. I'll be busy, but I'll drop by when I can."

It all clicked.

In the short time I'd been gone, Nadia must've tanked at taking care of Olenna. Probably stirred up some drama, too.

An idea sparked—one that made me smirk.

I couldn't wait to see his face when he showed up and I was already gone.

"Okay," I said, barely hiding the grin.

He exhaled, relieved, then gave me that once-over.

"Change into something nicer... Actually, I'll have Nadia lend you something. Don't embarrass me."

I almost rolled my eyes.

"No thanks. I've got clothes."

He didn't push it—just tossed out a few more orders and bounced.

***

At sunrise, I hit the road with nothing but a small bag.

I clutched my train ticket so hard my hands were slick.

The station was packed. I spotted the crew headed to the middle of nowhere—young, buzzing, alive.

Their vibe shook something loose in me.

I wasn't old. I wasn't done.

I thought about Ivan's blank stare, Olenna's ice, Nadia's little helpless act—

Any second thoughts? Gone.

The place would be rough, yeah.

But it'd be mine.

Ten years gone, and this is how it ended.

I wasn't resentful. Just numb. And finally, I would be free.

***

Right on cue, Ivan barged into Elya's dorm, clutching Nadia's flashy new red coat.

Swung the door open—no Elya.

He snagged one of Elya's coworkers mid-pack.

"Where's Elya?"

She didn't look up.

"Gone. Off to the sticks. She got a teaching gig in the Northeast. Probably at the station."

"What?!"