At the door, I looked back. Mom was squatting on the floor picking up the ashtray, cursing nonstop. Caroline was flipping through the gift boxes, complaining there were only supplements and no bag.
In the car, Colin wiped the blood from my face, his eyes red.
"Georgia, we're done with them. From now on, you'll live with me."
I watched the snowy scenery outside. Only calm in my heart.
Colin, I'm sorry. I don't have a future anymore.
I touched my empty pocket. The withdrawal made my whole body tremble, the ringing in my ears sharp.
I leaned on his shoulder.
"Colin, if one day I disappear, don't look for me."
He gripped my hand.
"What stupid thing are you saying? We're going to get married and live a whole lifetime together."
A whole lifetime was too long. I couldn't hold on.
Only two days passed before Mom called Colin's phone.
I was at his apartment watching him cook porridge. From the speaker came Mom's piercing wail.
"Colin! Save us! Otherwise the whole family can only go die!"
He frowned.
"What happened?"