Chapter 5

I made it to Switzerland and got in touch with one of the few friends I had left.

"This hospice is really nice. It’s close to my house, and aside from being a bit pricey, it’s perfect." Chloe Davis hadn’t changed one bit.

"Anna, are you really not planning to return to New York?" Chloe didn’t understand my choice.

Chloe had immigrated to escape her family’s burdens, but she still had a house in the city and had even bought a burial plot. She always said she couldn’t die abroad.

I smiled, reaching out to ruffle her hair like I used to when we were kids. Still soft and fluffy.

"You know there’s no one left in New York for me to see. Just like you, leaving was the only way to truly live."

"What about you and James...?" She trailed off, unsure how to continue.

Chloe wasn’t stupid. She could easily piece together what had happened—when someone dying of a terminal illness chooses not to come home, it doesn’t take much to figure out why.

"He cheated. His mistress is pregnant. I’m not even sure if it’s his, but they’ve been involved for months. I ran into her just before my flight." I didn’t know how I managed to say these words out loud. Once, the idea of exposing my wounds terrified me.

But now, I could say it with ease.

"Anna, you stay here and rest. I’ve taken a long leave from work. I’ll be here with you." Chloe pulled me into her arms. Had she started working out? Her embrace felt so strong, so warm.