Shortly after, a message from Avery popped up on my phone.
[Dennis, don’t forget to come to the wedding venue that day. The host has you scheduled to give a speech about our love story with Bryan. The script is in your email; make sure you’re well-prepared—don’t mess this up!!]
Shortly after, I received Avery’s prepared script in my email. Opening it, I was shocked to find that the past eight years with Avery had all been neatly rewritten with Bryan. It was almost impressive how she could remember all the details. But I didn’t have the energy to read any further, nor to reply. I just tossed my phone aside and started packing.
I booked a flight to Ordos for the earliest possible flight tomorrow.
After years of hustling with Avery every day, suddenly being on my own felt liberating.
In the courtyard, I spent the day tinkering with flowers and plants. Avery was probably preoccupied with wedding preparations, so she didn’t send any more messages all day.
I went to bed early and got up before dawn the next morning to get ready for the airport. As soon as I arrived at the airport, Avery’s incessant messages started popping up.