Chapter 2

Numb, I followed the crowd toward Exit B.

From a distance, I saw Vivian throw herself into a man's arms.

He ruffled her hair affectionately, pulled her into a tight embrace, and bent down to whisper something in her ear.

That back. That white shirt I'd ironed myself.

I knew them both so well it hurt.

Seven years ago, Lucien and I had met at a debate club meeting in the library.

Back then, he was an unknown rookie who got so nervous during debates that he stammered.

I was the one who ran mock debate after mock debate with him, helped organize his research, and timed his speeches.

Three years ago, he competed at nationals for the first time. The travel took a toll on him, and he performed badly.

He lost badly.

Afterward, he shut himself in his hotel room for a full day and night.

I was the one on the other side of the door, telling him over and over, "It's okay. You lost a tournament, that's all. You didn't lose me.

"Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Last month, he'd been offered a spot in his university's graduate program, pending final approval.

He was so excited that he'd picked me up and spun me around.

"Nina, when I graduate, let's get married.

"I want to give you the biggest wedding anyone's ever seen. I want everyone to know you're the only one I'll ever choose."

For seven years, we'd held each other up through everything. We had long since become the most important people in each other's lives.

And in that one moment, it all came crashing down.

I watched until Lucien and Vivian disappeared into the night, still holding each other close.

Only then did the last of my strength drain away. I slowly sank into a crouch.

My phone lit up again.

Lucien.

Lucien: [I was going over the debate with my coach and missed your call. What's wrong?]

I pulled my coat tighter around myself and called him again, my hand trembling.

Still busy.

Another message came through, this one edged with impatience.

Lucien: [I told you I'm busy. Stop calling.]

I gritted my teeth and typed out a reply, one word at a time.

Me: [Busy going over the debate with your coach, or busy celebrating with that younger girl from your school?]

Just as I was about to hit Send, a sharp pain tore through my chest and stole my breath.

The world spun, and everything went black.

When I came to, the first thing I noticed was the sharp smell of antiseptic.

"You're awake. How are you feeling?"

A nurse walked over to my bed.

"Someone found you unconscious outside the arena. A student brought you in.

"The doctor says you have stress-induced cardiomyopathy. We'd like to keep you here for observation for a few days. We haven't been able to reach your family. Is there another number you can give me?"

Family.

The word cut straight through me.

Of all times, that was when Lucien called.

I declined the call.

A few seconds later, he called again.

In the quiet hospital room, the ringtone sounded painfully shrill.

This time, I answered.

He sounded exhilarated, with a hint of bragging in his voice.

"Nina! You have no idea how I turned things around today!

"The head judge pulled me aside afterward. He said my Human Emotion Thesis gave this year's resolution a completely new angle!"

Vivian's bright laughter drifted through the background. "Lucien, quit showing off and help me with this logic problem."

Whatever warmth I had left drained out of me.

"Really?" I said coldly. "Congratulations."

"Nina!"

His voice sharpened.

"What's with that tone? I just won the national championship. Aren't you happy for me?"

I curled up on the hospital bed, trying to endure another stab of pain in my chest.

I thought of the handkerchief I'd spent three sleepless nights embroidering.

It was still tucked inside my bag, like the last remnant of a dream that refused to die.

Lucien kept talking, oblivious.

"Now that I've won this, my spot in the grad program is finally locked in. My coach even put me forward for next year's International Collegiate Debate Championship.

"Nina, we're one step closer to our dream!"

My eyes burned.

I tilted my head back, forcing the tears down.

The nurse handed me the admission paperwork. "Since your family isn't here, you can sign these yourself."

Then Vivian's voice floated through the phone again. "Lucien, this one's so hard. Help me, please."

Lucien went quiet for a few seconds.

"You're... in the hospital?"

Before I could answer, he jumped to his own conclusion. "Did all that overtime wear you out?

"Nina, you're always like this. You never take care of yourself. Once things settle down here, I'll come see you. Don't be so dramatic, okay?"

The tears finally spilled over. I let out a quiet laugh.

"You're right.

"I'm being dramatic."

Then I said, "Lucien, we're done."