Chapter 4

Thunder rumbled and rain poured down. Wind howled.

Watching my coworkers leave one by one, I finally headed downstairs.

When I opened my bag, I remembered—I'd never been in the habit of carrying an umbrella.

For the past ten years, Michelle had always reminded me.

Before leaving, her eyes would hint at me repeatedly, playfully watching until I grabbed an umbrella.

I'd gotten used to following her lead. As long as it was her, I'd trust unconditionally.

This kind of habitual trust was truly terrifying.

I held my bag over my head and ran through the rain into the parking garage, only to find my car wouldn't start.

I punched the steering wheel in frustration.

It had been fine. When did it break?

In the end, I had to run through the rain to the subway station.

Just as I left the garage, I saw Michelle standing in the rain. The moment she spotted me, she ran over with concern.

"George, why are you soaked? Let's go home first..."

"Let go!"

I struggled free of her hand and kept walking without looking back.

She called after me while chasing me, constantly reaching out to try to shield me from the rain.

"George, I drove here. Let me give you a ride!"

"You have stomach problems—catching a cold will make you miserable!"

"If you won't get in my car, at least take the umbrella. I'll worry if you get sick..."

"Get lost! Stop following me!"

I stopped abruptly and broke down screaming at her.

"Get away from me! Get lost!"

"I don't want to see you! I don't want to hear another word from you! Do you hear me!"

"I'll never trust you again in this lifetime! Get lost! Get far away!"

I shouted until my whole body shook. I couldn't tell tears from rain on my face anymore. My throat felt like it was bleeding from screaming.

Why? Today had been so normal.

I'd finalized a project with clients and eaten properly.

I'd even decided to get my long-delayed stomach issues checked out.

I thought I'd moved on.

Why did seeing Michelle make me fall apart again?

Our only umbrella got knocked out of my hand and was immediately swept away by the wind.

Michelle in her elegant dress was completely destroyed by the wind and rain.

We both stood there looking absolutely wretched.

Despite my harsh rejection, she stood motionless like a statue.

She stared at me blankly, her mouth opening and closing as if calling my name.

Seeing her so confused and dazed didn't give me any relief. My heart only felt heavier.

The scattered people nearby all turned to look at us.

I didn't want to stay locked in this standoff.

After wiping the water from my face, I left with determination.

After getting home and showering, I felt congested with stomach pain.

After taking medicine, just as I was about to lie down, my phone lit up with an unfamiliar number.

"George, you bastard! You even blocked your own father!"

"I've been going crazy! Michelle tried to kill herself—she slit her wrists!"

"Downtown First Hospital, third floor emergency room. Get here right now!"