This Is Where I Leave You Novels & Stories

I know deep down that I am done for. ##########

Where have you been hiding? "Don't you love me anymore? Can you really just leave me behind?"

I was not leaving. Not again. ****** LMCD22

Seah's Point Of View I was in front of our old house, carrying two suitcases containing my clothes in both hands, while my guitar was behind me. “Until next time,” I said goodbye to the house I grew up in while my father was still alive. I will carry all the happy memories in my heart and mind until death. “Ma'am, let's go! All your belongings are in the taxi, only the ones you brought are the ones that haven't been loaded yet.” The taxi driver said and I immediately obeyed and headed for the car.

I watched their souls, burdened with endless pain and regret, being dragged into a dark abyss. In my heart, I felt nothing. Outside, rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell upon me. In that light, my soul gradually turned transparent. I said my final parting words, "Farewell. We will never meet again. I will never forgive you. Never ever."

After packing my things, I went to the orphanage where I grew up to say goodbye to the director, Madam Jones, whose hair had gotten grayer over the years. I had bought her several years' worth of gifts in advance, then gave her a big farewell hug. "My dearest Madam Jones, I'm leaving this place and going somewhere far, far away. I won't come back here for a long while." Madam Jones pinched my cheeks and asked, "Did someone bully you and make you unhappy, Joy? Where's your brother and Theodore? Why haven't those two looked after you? You don't look well at all."

“Is there anything else you’d like to bring, Alessia? If you’re all set, we can leave.” I asked quietly, “Did you bring the new phone I requested?” “Yes,” she said, pulling the box from the car. “Here it is.” That was all I needed. I tossed my old phone aside without a second thought. Before sliding into the car, I stole one last look at the Packhouse, its lights flickering faintly in the distance—the place that had been my home, my love, my heartbreak. Goodbye, Max. Then I stepped into Riley’s car, closing the door behind me.

I leaned my head beneath her hand. As the iron gates of the hospital slowly opened, I gave her brow one final touch. I did not follow her into the hospital. I only watched as the vehicle gradually disappeared around the corner. Amid the falling leaves, my body slowly dissolved into countless points of light. I no longer held any resentment. I still wish for us to be together again. Some day.

"It's all our fault. But Fifi, that's still your home—" "No, it isn't. That's yours and Simone's," I cut him off. "I've never felt like I belonged there. I'm happy with my life now. We just weren't meant to be family in this lifetime. Let's leave it at that. Please don't come looking for me again." I turned and walked away without another glance. I didn't care if they regretted not treating me better as they watched me leave. It was too late for regret anyway. I was no longer that girl who foolishly waited for their love.

I am taking it back to Accra with the stone from the coast and the understanding I stood at the water with and the knowledge of who I am carrying the argument from. Before I left I went to the garden. It was four thirty in the morning and dark but I had a torch and I went to the peony bed and stood beside it for a few minutes. I wanted to be in the garden before I left because everything you told me yesterday is in the garden. The planting before the person arrives. The building for the destination. The trusting of the duration. I want to tell you something I did not say yesterday.