Chapter 2

The next morning, I went to a hair salon.

The stylist rinsed my hair four times before finally setting down the showerhead.

"The glue's basically set your hair. We'll have to cut all of it."

I accepted reality.

"Cut it."

The scissors opened and closed. The long hair I'd kept for ten years fell to the floor, strand by strand.

I thought about when Ethan and I first got together.

He knew I loved long hair. He'd bought a brush specifically so he could learn to do my hair.

His hands were so clumsy he'd yank my hair and make me wince, but he'd still look proud of himself.

"On our wedding day, I'll give you a long-haired princess style."

"After that, I'll be your prince. I'll love you, protect you, and spend my whole life with you."

But fairy tales are just fairy tales.

I was the only one who actually believed.

The stylist wrapped a cape around me and tried to comfort me.

"Short actually suits your face shape."

I looked at the stranger in the mirror—pale and unfamiliar.

"Thank you."

When I got home, the entryway light was off.

Chloe's social media had updated.

Four people at a drive-in theater on the outskirts of town. Each holding a bucket of popcorn. In the last frame, all four of them gave a thumbs-up.

The caption: "Beautiful family day."

I stared at it for a long time.

My parents had promised to take a family photo with me today, before the wedding.

So in their eyes, "family" could exist without me in it.

They got back after ten that night.

When they saw my short hair, Chloe burst out laughing.

"Sis, your hair looks so weird now."

My mother frowned and scolded me.

"You could have just trimmed a little. Why cut so much? Did you even think about the wedding?"

Chloe showed off her curly hair in front of me.

"Sis, I got a new hairstyle for your wedding too. Isn't it pretty?"

I noticed a velvet ribbon in her hair. The rhinestones sparkled under the light.

It was the ribbon Ethan had given me on our third anniversary.

"That's my ribbon."

Chloe said, "You cut your hair short anyway. You don't need it."

"It's still mine."

I reached to take it. Chloe ducked behind my mother, looking hurt.

My mother blocked me. "Chloe's right. You don't need a ribbon. What's the harm in lending it to her for a few days?"

From the couch, my father's impatient voice.

"It's just a ribbon. What's there to fight over?"

"Once you marry Ethan, you'll be the family's Donna. Stop acting like a child."

I looked at Ethan.

He was unscrewing a bottle of water. He didn't even look up.

"What ribbon?"

My heart sank.

"Our third anniversary. You gave it to me."

He thought for a long time. He didn't seem to remember.

"If Chloe likes it, let her wear it. It matches her outfit today."

Chloe spun around for me.

"See? Even Ethan says it's mine now."

I didn't argue anymore. I smiled and said:

"Fine. If you want it, take it."

Not just the ribbon.

My fiancé. This family.

I didn't want them anymore either.

That night, my email received the contract from the Northern Research Institute.

Three-year contract. Once signed and inside the institute, I would have no contact with the outside world.

After signing, I started packing.

My mother came in with a plate of fruit. She saw the suitcase on the bed and blinked.

"What are you packing?"

I didn't answer.

She quickly came up with her own explanation.

"Right. You're getting married next week anyway. All your things will be moved to Ethan's place."

Passing the closet, she pulled out a camel coat with the tags still on.

"You haven't worn this, right? Chloe's been wanting this color."

I looked at her. I almost laughed.

"Take it."

Her face lit up.

"That's how a big sister should be. Stop bickering with your sister from now on."

She left happily with the coat.

She didn't even notice.

Besides the suitcase on the bed, there was a plane ticket to the north.