I laughed bitterly at myself. I never should have hoped. And yet, like a fool, I kept hoping again and again.
On my last day, I terminated the lease on my apartment. All I had left was a handbag and a single suitcase. I took a deep breath and got ready to hail a cab to the airport.
That was when Alfred called.
"Maria, I've been neglecting you these past few days. About what happened at the hospital... I actually went to check on you later, but the nurse told me you'd already been discharged."
His voice was warm and gentle, the way it always was, though tinged with a note of apology.
I shook my head. "It's fine. I'm better now."
"Are you free today? Let's grab dinner."
I glanced at the watch on my wrist. Two and a half hours until boarding.
One last meal. A farewell, even if he didn't know it.
"Sure," I said.
Alfred met me at the restaurant. He seemed to be in a good mood, even peeling shrimp for me without being asked.
"I'll take you to Disneyland in a few days. It's my fault, really. I've been so swamped with work I never took you anywhere."
Now he wanted to spend time with me?
But Alfred, I was already leaving. My flight was in two hours.
Back to Harbor City. And I was never coming back.