Chapter 3

A huge weight had finally been lifted off my heart.

But the bedroom door did not open again.

Sebastian stayed in the living room. He had a long discussion with Vivien about the problems of the apocalypse.

I could already imagine the excuses he would give if I stepped out.

It would be either a scientific discussion or teacher-student communication.

I had heard it too many times. It was the same old stuff.

I did not even have the strength to open the door.

I decided to let it go. It was the apocalypse. In this heat, every surge of anger felt like heartburn.

I needed to conserve my strength to get my mother out alive.

When life and death were at stake, love did not seem so important anymore.

Eventually, I fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Vivien was still there.

She was sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast off my plate.

When she saw me, she stood up stiffly and bowed politely.

“Good morning, Rose. My… my air conditioner broke. I came over only this morning. If I disturbed you, I’m sorry.”

I forced a thin smile. Her blanket on the sofa was not even folded yet.

They had not bothered to explain. Or perhaps they simply did not think I deserved an explanation.

“Rose, let’s have breakfast.”

It was rare for Sebastian to cook. Today, he played the role of the considerate husband in front of Vivien.

Vivien picked up her cutlery again. My gaze fell on the plate in her hands.

Sebastian and I handcrafted that plate on Valentine’s Day five years ago.

He had even carved his vow to be with me forever at the bottom of the plate. This plate was like our token of love.

But it was now being used by another woman.

When Sebastian noticed my gaze, he casually said, “Oh, she likes it, so I let her use it.”

I was furious. I grabbed the car keys and headed outside to pick up my mother.

Sebastian grabbed me. He coldly asked, “Where are you going? It’s 158 °F outside. Even if you’re angry at me, don’t risk your life.”

Vivien chimed in softly with her eyes red, “Yes, Rose. The asphalt is melting. It’s dangerous even to drive.”

I let out a breath. “I’m going to pick up my mother. Let go of me!”

In the struggle, the plate slipped from Vivien’s hands.

It shattered on the floor. The vow carved into its base broke into unrecognizable fragments.

Sebastian froze, as if something had struck his chest.

I pushed past him and stepped into the heat.

In the apocalypse, even the stray cats and dogs on the street had disappeared, leaving only dead, oppressive silence.

I picked up my mother as quickly as I could. Her air conditioner could fail at any moment.

When we returned home, I felt Sebastian’s judgmental gaze on me.

He hid his emotions very quickly before he took over my mother’s suitcase and said respectfully, “Madam Ziegler.”

My mother flashed him a motherly smile.

After settling her in, Sebastian pulled me aside.

He looked at me with a dark face. “Rose, I must remind you of something. This is an apocalypse, and we lack resources. The remaining food in our house is not sufficient.

“Four people might be a bit too many.”

I stared at him. I could not process what I had just heard.

He actually thought my mother was the burden.

I stared at him in disbelief. I felt so disappointed that my heart broke in that instant.

“Sebastian Jenkins, she’s my mother! Must I remind you that she supported you for six years?!

“How could you say something like that?”

Sebastian pushed his glasses up and said indifferently, “Rose, I meticulously calculated every ration. I’m just stating the facts.”

There it was again, that rational, detached expression. It was as if my anger were merely emotional noise.

But I could not put up with him anymore.

“Sebastian, then you should make Vivian leave. How dare you treat my mother as unimportant and disposable? Have you completely lost your conscience?”

When I mentioned Vivien, he immediately raised his voice.

“That’s why I’m discussing it with you!”

Sebastian threw a plan at me.

“Smaller portions, more frequent meals. It will last until Vivien and I leave in three days. After that, you’re on your own.”

I tore the paper into pieces without looking at it.

Outside the room, my mother was studying Vivien in confusion.

She asked me anxiously, “Rose, this is…”

For once, Sebastian looked nervous.

He instinctively moved closer to Vivien as if shielding her.

I watched him in disappointment.

For me, Sebastian was as distant and detached as a faraway star.

It seemed at present that the star would never shed its light on me.

I did not want to make my mother worry, so I forced out a smile.

“Mom, this is Sebastian’s student.”

My mother sighed in relief and smiled.

“She looks smart.

“Are we all leaving together in three days?”

My mother was sensible. She looked at Sebastian for an answer.

When he heard her, he froze.

I answered on his behalf, “Mom, go and pack your suitcase. Don’t pack too many things. Each person is allowed only 22 pounds.”

My mother grinned, and she patted the back of my hand.

“You pack too. It’s best if we leave together.”

I nodded and headed for the bedroom. Sebastian followed.

The door shut heavily behind us.

Sebastian ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“Did you tell her we’re leaving together? How am I supposed to fix this? Where do you expect me to get two more tickets?

“Rose, you’re lying to her.”

I smiled. I had not lied to my mother.

We were leaving.

And once we did, we would have nothing to do with him ever again.