Chapter 2

"Summer, you left your ring at the guest book table." Nathan's call came at 2 AM, his voice unhurried.

"I know."

"I've kept it for you. I'll put it on you tomorrow."

He paused, then softened his tone.

"I know I put you in a tough spot today. Chloe's dress getting dirty really was an accident, and everyone saw how kind you were to lend her yours."

"Nathan, let's break up."

Silence for three seconds on the other end. Then he chuckled softly.

"Summer, I know you were hurt today, but breaking up? Is it really that serious?"

"I'm serious."

"You always say we should break up when you're upset." He lowered his voice, with his usual patience. "Alright, when you've cooled off, call me. I'll come pick you up."

"Nathan..."

"Summer, be a good girl. Tomorrow, I'll take you to that Japanese restaurant you wanted to try last time."

I didn't continue speaking.

After a few seconds of silence, his voice deepened.

"Summer, it's been five years. When will you ever really be able to leave me?"

His words were soft, but I couldn't answer.

He truly didn't believe it, didn't believe I would leave.

I hung up.

Tara came out of the kitchen with a glass of water and sat opposite me. "What did he say?"

"He said he's coming to pick me up."

"Are you going?"

"No."

She started to say something, then saw my expression and swallowed it back.

I stared at my phone screen.

At the top of the call log was his name, saved five years ago as "Nathan," with a little sun emoji next to it.

We had just started dating then.

He waited for me by the college gate, holding a box of fried chicken. The November wind was cold, and the steam from the chicken scattered several times.

He said, "Your roommate told me you take the long way every day just to pass a fried chicken place."

I said, "It's too expensive, $10 a piece."

He laughed and pressed it into my hand.

"From now on, tell me whatever you want to eat, whether it's $10 or $100." His eyes were so bright back then, they made me feel safe.

Tara suddenly spoke.

"Do you remember when he started changing?"

I thought for a long time.

"I don't."

Maybe it was the first day Chloe appeared, her eyes red, saying she couldn't afford her tuition. Maybe it was the first time he told me to "go easy on her." The change was too slow.

Just a little bit less each day, until I looked back, and there was nothing left. Tara tucked the blanket around me.

"Don't go back. Just stay here."

"Okay."

At 3 AM, another call came from him.

The screen lit up for three seconds, then went dark.

He didn't call again.

Because in his world, I'd be mad for one night, and when the sun rose, I'd go home willingly.

Just like every time before. I pressed ignore on that call.

This was the first time in five years.