Chapter 5

Lily's POV

At some point, Mr. Langford had shown up behind me and gently patted my shoulder. "Lily, I understand now why you didn't want to discuss it with your family."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "But then again, going to the National Defense Academy isn't a bad choice. Your tuition and living expenses will be fully covered, and you'll even get a scholarship. You can take care of yourself on your own."

I nodded and tucked the dirty envelope into my coat. I then mumbled a thank you and went home.

When I opened the door, the living room was unusually lively. Rose sat in the middle of the couch, surrounded by Mom, Dad, and Shane, smiling brightly.

Shane's voice was the loudest. "Then it's settled! We're setting off on our road trip today!"

Rose was the first to notice me and immediately stood up to greet me, her tone warm. "Lily, you're home! Mr. Langford told me you've found the records. You're not still angry, are you?"

"I'm so sorry!" she said with a pout. "We should have helped you look for it. We shouldn't have left you behind."

So they knew. They knew they shouldn't have abandoned me when I was at my most helpless. But it wasn't the first time.

Every time, no matter how upset I was, the moment Rose started crying, everyone's attention would shift to her. And just like that, every big problem became small, and every small issue disappeared altogether.

It was as if ignoring my feelings was enough to make every problem go away.

They took it for granted that I couldn't live without them, that I would spend my whole life depending on them and looking up to them. If I kept holding a grudge, I would be the unreasonable and immature one.

Thankfully, I just need to endure this for a little longer.

When I didn't say anything, Shane reached out to ruffle my hair. "Alright. Enough. You've found it. What's done is done."

I easily sidestepped him and gave a hum of assent.

Shane froze for a moment and clenched his empty hand.

"Really? That's great!" Rose hugged me tightly, nuzzling against my chest. "You're the best, Lily!"

"Oh, right!" She suddenly looked up at me. "Shane said he'll take us on a road trip to Southport to cheer me up. He said it's really close to the sea, and there are coconut trees everywhere along the roads. You should come with us!"

Southport? The location grabbed my attention, and I felt my heart bleed.

I turned to look at Shane. Our eyes met, and the warm yellow light bathed his face with a soft golden glow. He had said he would accompany me to the National Defense Academy, and we would see the sea together.

But now, he was going to Johnsburg, and I was going to Southport. We would probably never cross paths again. This trip might be the last time we ever saw each other.

"Okay," I said. "I'll pack my things."

At some point, it had started raining heavily outside. As I carried my bag downstairs, Shane was shoving Rose's suitcase into the last backseat. It fit perfectly, filling the remaining space.

He straightened up and looked at the suitcase, then at me standing in the rain. He looked troubled. "Lily, there's too much luggage. I don't think there's enough room for you."

The rain was heavy, and the wind drowned out his words. "W-Why don't you go next time… You'll have plenty of other chances…"

The back window was half-open, and Rose was adjusting her bangs in the small mirror with a small smile.

Mom walked past me and opened the passenger door. "You sure have some nerve. You made your sister cry, and you still have the audacity to come along on this trip."

Rain ran down my head, stinging my eyes.

So, this was my punishment? They did something nice for once, only to take it away right in front of me. And it was all because I had put Rose on the spot today.

"It's okay." My voice came out calmer than I had expected. "Go ahead."

However, before I could finish speaking, the car had already started. Its taillights disappeared in the distance amidst the rain and mist.

I stood there for a long time before turning around and walking back. The rain was soaking my face, but I didn't really feel it anymore. I had been through this too many times. In contrast to the weather, I felt very calm.

I reached for the door and pulled the handle, but it wouldn't budge. I pulled harder, but I still couldn't open it.

The door was locked.

They had locked the door without even leaving me a key. Or perhaps they hadn't even remembered that I existed.