I Chose Novels & Stories

He must've been waiting for that moment for the past seven years. Didn't matter anymore. On the way home, I picked up some pork ribs.

“No matter what fate says, I chose you.” I wanted to believe that. I really did.

Rivers had scolded the younger maid regarding the stuff posted about me online made my heart warm. "No need to explain. I trust my judgment. "Ms. Qoss is my guest. From now on, no one is allowed to gossip about this matter!" The young maid had been dismissed. When the others saw me come out, they greeted me with kind smiles. "Morning, Miss!" Mrs. Rivers's son, Mark Rivers had not stepped foot in an internet cafe since the day after we arrived. "Is Amy awake? I bought her tons of toys!" He did not even slow down, arms full of gifts, headed straight for the child.

This time my voice was firm. Not angry. Certain. For a long moment, neither of us moved. Then Chris slowly reached over and unlocked it. The click echoed through the room. A simple sound. Yet it felt symbolic. Like something much larger than a door had just opened. I picked up the box again. And for the first time, I realized there was no going back. Not because of Jack. Not because of one date. Because somewhere along the way, I had finally chosen myself. And once I did that, everything changed.

But now, I changed my mind. Darian, since you insisted on digging your own grave — I would hand you the shovel.

I said yes before he finished the sentence. It was not because I was afraid,not because I had no other option and not because someone is telling me where to go, which has been the shape of my whole life up until very recently and which I am finished with. I said yes because I have been thinking about this since I came downstairs this morning, since I sat on the floor last night with my back against the bed, since I held that water glass in Mae's back room and understood that the thing building inside me needs more room than Creston can give it.

I made a choice. I just didn’t say it.

I said. “But I’m choosing it anyway.”

As a choice. The best kind.