let's go home

The next morning, the sun poured softly into Mira’s hospital room.

Dr. Caleb entered with a calm smile. “Good news,” he said. “You can be discharged today. You just need to rest and stay away from stress.”

Mira nodded, relieved. “Thank you, Doctor. For everything.”

A few minutes later, her elder sister, Lyra, walked in. Her sharp eyes softened when she saw Mira sitting by the bed, already dressed to leave.

“Mira,” Lyra said as she hugged her tightly. “Let’s get you home.”

Mira smiled faintly. “Home sounds good.”

Caleb walked over again, holding a clipboard. “Before you go,” he said hesitantly, “can I... have your number? Just in case I need to check up on your condition.”

Mira blinked in surprise. For a moment, she said nothing, then nodded. “Of course.”

They exchanged numbers quietly, a small moment of understanding passing between them. Caleb gave her a reassuring smile before stepping back. “Take care, Mira.”

Lyra carried her small hospital bag and walked beside her as they made their way outside. The air was warm, the smell of wet grass still lingering after last night’s rain.

Just as Mira reached the car door, a familiar black car sped into the hospital parking lot. The tires screeched as it came to a stop right beside them.

Ethan jumped out before the engine even died. His face was pale, his eyes desperate. “Honey!” he called, rushing to her. “I’m here to take you home.”

Mira turned slowly, her expression calm but cold. “Home?” She let out a small, bitter laugh. “Sorry, Ethan. I don’t have another home apart from where my sister is taking me.”

Ethan grabbed her hand. “Can you stop acting stubborn now?” he snapped. “I know you were mad I didn’t come early yesterday, but stop throwing a tantrum. Now get in the car and let me take you home.”

Lyra narrowed her eyes but stayed quiet, watching.

Mira looked down at his hand holding hers, then back up into his eyes. Her voice was soft but steady. “I don’t have anything to do with you anymore, Ethan. From now on, we have nothing together.”

Ethan’s face darkened. “Mira, don’t do this here,” he hissed. “People are watching.”

She smiled faintly. “They can watch all they want.”

As she turned to get into Lyra’s car, Ethan’s grip tightened on her wrist. He tried to pull her back, his tone rising. “You’re not leaving with her!”

Before Mira could respond, Chloe rushed out from the passenger seat of Ethan’s car. Her voice trembled slightly. “Ethan, stop! Leave her be if she doesn’t want to come along.”

For a moment, silence filled the parking lot. Ethan stood frozen, breathing hard, his hand still half-raised.

Mira pulled her hand free, her expression unreadable. She opened the car door, slid inside, and closed it quietly.

Lyra started the engine. Without another word, they drove off, leaving Ethan and Chloe standing behind them.

Through the rear window, Mira watched the two figures fade from view. A single tear rolled down her cheek, but this time, she didn’t wipe it away.