The Sixth Goodbye

When news got to my mother that I called the wedding off with the intention to break up with Lorenzo, she looked at me and sighed. “It’s for the best. You aren’t right for each other.” Fighting back the tears, I nodded. “That’s true, Mom. We are not a good fit.” Once my mother was gone, my phone lit up. Gianna sent me a brief video clip. In the video, Lorenzo lay in a hospital bed, his right arm bandaged up and his face pale. He pulled a smile, his voice raspy. “Why are you crying? When have I broken a promise about getting you anything?” Then came a text from Gianna. “He’s awake. He said he’s going to figure something out about the penthouse. Don’t be mad at him. There’s nothing to worry about.” She even attached a tongue-out emoji at the end of the message. I didn’t respond to her text. Half an hour later, I returned to the apartment I shared with Lorenzo. I dug out a suitcase and started packing my things. My hand paused when I pulled out the bottom drawer of t

Half an hour later, I arrived at the in-patient ward on the third floor. Before I could open the door and enter, Marco’s voice drifted from the other side of the wooden frame. “Lorenzo, you went too far this time. The money was set aside for your wedding with Naomi. It’s a million bucks. Did you give every last penny to Gianna to get the penthouse? Aren’t you terrified that Naomi’s going to dump you for standing her up today, too?“Everybody knows how much Naomi has done for you over the last five years. She doesn’t earn much as a researcher, but she’s been pinching pennies and saving for you. Don’t you think you’re not fair to her?” Through the crack of the door, Lorenzo fell silent for a bit before answering firmly, “She won’t. We’ve been together for five years. You don’t just throw that sort of history away. You know Naomi. She’s too soft for her own good. Every time we fight, all I have to do is give in, and she’ll forgive me. Once I’m out of the hospital in a couple of da

“Naomi!” A harsh scream broke into my conversation with Tyler. Snapping my head up, I saw Lorenzo heading my way. He wore a crumpled black jacket, his bandages showing from his sleeve. Gianna was right behind him. She strutted on her heels, tuning in to the drama. Lorenzo stared at Tyler, who was right beside me, and sneered, “No wonder you left in the middle of the night with your luggage. I see why you ghosted me for three days. Naomi, you’ve got a lot of nerve. Is this the reason why you can’t wait to break up with me? You found yourself someone else behind my back, and now, you’re heading abroad with him.” Before I could speak, Tyler stepped out in front of me. “Sir, please show some respect.” Tyler turned to me. “Naomi, is he your ex?” I nodded. “That’s right, professor. Sorry, you have to witness this.” Tyler turned around and faced Lorenzo in scrutiny. “I am the lead advisor for the Arctic Geological Expedition. Naomi is a core member of our research team. We a

The work at the polar observatory was far more demanding than I had expected. Every morning, I would suit up in my heavy expedition gear and navigate between glaciers and permafrost with Tyler. My life revolved around drilling holes, collecting samples, mapping, and running data logs. I worked from six in the morning to eight in the evening, having virtually no break except for meals. The sheer exhaustion on my physical body somehow healed my fractured mind. Not only did I survive the Arctic’s bitter cold for three months, but I gained five pounds as well. Color returned to my pasty face. The hair I lost in clumps due to anxiety had grown back with a vengeance. Tyler observed the data I had compiled and patted my shoulder emotionally. “Naomi, you’re meant to work in this field. I see the light in your eyes again.” I stared at the spectacular northern lights outside the window and smiled. That was right. I felt alive again. One evening on a weekend, I checked the ti

The moment I stepped out of the airport terminal, the Manhattan sun spilled across my face, warm and soft. Yet, a quiet sadness stirred within me. I knew that Lorenzo was right behind me, staring at my back. It was clear to me that Lorenzo would spend the rest of his days in regret and isolation. However, none of that mattered anymore. My new life had just begun. A month later, Ethan and I tied the knot in a church in Manhattan. Standing at the end of the red carpet in a sharp suit, Ethan beamed as I walked toward him. My parents sat in the front row, grinning from ear to ear. When it came time to exchange rings, Ethan kissed the back of my hand tearfully. “Naomi, thank you for trusting me with the rest of your life. I swear I won’t ever let you be hurt.” I looked at him, my eyes welling up. Applause erupted around us as a soft glow of the candle cast over Ethan’s face. Getting on my tiptoes, I gently held him. A soft breeze drifted in through the window, carr