Chapter 4

Melanie said, "Maybe he forgot about your allergy. I'll apologize on his behalf."

She then avoided my gaze and continued, "Let's not let your mom know about this. Wilson's been through enough. If even your mom starts having issues with him, how is he supposed to stay with us? He only has us now. Just let this slide, okay? Don't hold it against him."

Let this side.

Those three casual words wiped away all my pain and resentment.

I just nodded.

I really shouldn't expect anything from them anymore.

…

After I was discharged from the hospital, I found a part-time job that included meals and lodging, and didn't return home.

I only went back the day the admission letter arrived.

When I opened the door, the house was filled with harmony.

Melanie and Mom were crowded around Wilson, who was wearing brand-name clothes. They hugged him excitedly.

"Wilson, you're going to be a college student now. I'm so happy for you!" Mom exclaimed.

Melanie praised, "You're so smart and handsome. I'm sure you'll have so many ladies chasing after you."

Wilson blushed as he held her hand. "No one's better than you, Melanie. You're the most beautiful in my eyes!"

But the moment they heard me come in, their laughter died down.

Mom shot me a glare. "You've been gone for so many days. I thought you'd died outside."

When Melanie saw how much weight I had lost, a hint of concern flickered in her eyes. She quickly came over to take my hand.

"I'll help Mrs. Holland cover some of your and Wilson's tuition. You don't have to work so hard to pay for it."

I jerked my hand away and coldly replied, "No need for that."

Without another word, I started heading for my bedroom.

"Charlie," Melanie called, her tone softening, "since you've got the admission letter, how about I drive both of you to the campus? You can get familiar with the place."

"Really? That sounds great!" Wilson immediately hugged her shoulder, his eyes shining. "Melanie, you're the best."

But the next second, his expression dimmed. He carefully glanced at me and said, "Charlie still seems upset with me. He probably doesn't want to come, so maybe you two should go. I'm fine either way."

His words drained me.

Before Mom could start berating me, I spoke first. "You guys go ahead. I have something else to do."

Frowning, Melanie instinctively took a step forward to grab my wrist. "Charlie—"

Mom immediately stopped her. "Melanie, he's acting all sulky. He'll just ruin the mood. Let's just go. Don't worry about him."

Wilson lowered his head, muttering, "Melanie, don't force Charlie. He probably really doesn't want to come with me."

Melanie's hand froze mid-air. A wave of frustration and anger rose in her.

She pulled back her hand and stepped toward me. Her voice dropped into a low, heavy tone as she said, "Charlie, I'm giving you one more day to throw a tantrum. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the campus. Just the two of us."

She paused for a moment before adding, as if commanding, "Tomorrow, I want to see the Charlie who used to smile whenever he saw me, not this petty version of Charlie. Got it?"

I let out a chuckle and stepped into my bedroom.

The old Charlie was never coming back.

After they left, I gathered my few belongings, grabbed the admission letter from Valmore College, and took the train ticket I had bought in advance. Then, I headed straight for the rail station.

Before I got on the train, I took one last look at this southern city I had lived in for 18 years.

Then, without a second glance, I set off toward my dreams.