Returning Unwanted Goods

"Owen's hosting a singles party for Vanessa tonight, Audrey. Aren't you going?"

I snapped out of my daze at the mention of my name, my gaze locking with my friend's as she waited for a response.

Her expression softened with concern. "Have you and Owen been fighting? You've been looking distracted lately."

I shook my head.

Just then, my phone rang. It was an incoming call from Owen Shepherd. A painful twist hit me when I saw the familiar number on the screen.

It took me a few long seconds before I finally answered.

Owen's voice came through the line, distant and flat. "Vanessa just broke up with her boyfriend, so we're not inviting anyone's partner tonight. I don't want you to show up and make her feel worse."

I bit my lip so hard I could taste the blood, that sharp, metallic tang grounding me at the moment. Whatever Owen said next was drowned out.

I fought to ignore the pain and maintained a calm tone as I interrupted him, "Got it. I won't be there. Actually, I've got a work trip to Faldora, so I won't be around anyway."

Owen fell silent for a moment, perhaps caught off guard by my not arguing about not being able to show up before Vanessa Cottle.

His tone softened after a few beats. "You've really learned to be sensible."

A sharp bitterness bloomed within me, and I fought to keep the tears from breaking free.

My friend stared at me in disbelief. I could feel her surprise—everyone knew how much I loved Owen and how I'd lost myself in him.

But this time, I didn't cling to him with desperation, didn't start a fight over Vanessa, and didn't let my insecurities slip through.

My friend immediately noticed how off I looked. She sighed and silently poured me a glass of water.

I drank it in one go, feeling the warmth spread through my body, easing the chill that had settled in. I smiled at her, packed up my things from the table, and began booking a flight.

"So, you're actually going to Faldora?" she asked.

I responded with a soft hum, my voice thick with the weight of my emotions. "I've wanted to go for ages. This is the right time, so I might as well make the trip."

My friend was still staring at me with concern, so I forced a smile and pulled her into a tight hug. The warmth of her body was all it took for my tears to break free.

She didn't know the cause of my slump, but she gently patted my back, murmuring comforting words.

"I'm done loving Owen. I'm so tired of it," I said quietly.

She had no idea what had happened, but she went with it. "Well, congratulations on your new beginning."

My tears came pouring down harder. She had no clue I'd already died once and was given a second chance at life. This time, I was determined to live it better.