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00:00On the first day of my marriage to Noah, my mother called the police and said I was being controlled.
00:05Emma Wicker, are you safe?
00:07Yes.
00:07Did you marry voluntarily?
00:09Yes.
00:09Has your husband stopped you from contacting your family?
00:12Mom stood outside with tears in her eyes.
00:14Dad was behind her, his face hard.
00:16Ryan glared at Noah, like he was one second away from throwing a punch.
00:20Lily stood in the far corner, her pretty blonde curls spilling over her shoulders.
00:24Her eyes were red too.
00:26No.
00:26Your family says you suddenly left home after graduation, cut off contact and got married very quickly.
00:31They're worried you may be under someone's control.
00:33They just realized for the first time that I'm a person too.
00:36All right, Miss Witter, you're free to go.
00:39The second I stepped outside, Mom rushed at me and pulled me into a tight hug.
00:43Emma, what were you thinking?
00:46Do you have any idea how worried we've been?
00:49Stay away from my daughter.
00:51Noah stood beside me and asked quietly.
00:53Do you want to go?
00:53I nodded, took his hand, and turned to leave.
00:57Emma, you can't do this to me.
00:59We're your family.
01:00Yeah, they were my family.
01:02But they hadn't found me because they loved me.
01:04They found me because I was no longer the good daughter who stayed where they left her.
01:08Waiting six months earlier, during graduation season, they had left me behind again and taken Lily to Paris without me.
01:16That was when I finally left home for good.
01:19I hadn't even taken off my graduation gown when Ryan handed me a pair of slip-resistant work shoes.
01:25Try them on.
01:25I bought them just for you.
01:27You can stand for ten hours in these and your feet won't hurt.
01:29Outside the auditorium, the lawn was full of graduates taking pictures with flowers in their arms.
01:34Some were being kissed on the forehead by their parents.
01:37Some laughed with champagne raised.
01:38Others tossed their caps into the air.
01:40And in my hands, instead of flowers, was a pair of dull gray shoes.
01:44Mom took my diploma, folded it once, and tucked it into her bag.
01:47Then she hurried over to Lily, under a tree, where they bent over the Paris guidebook they'd just bought.
01:52Why do I need stand for ten hours?
01:54I found you a position at the grocery store near home.
01:58Cashier and stocker.
01:59The pay's decent.
02:00Mom, I graduated top of my class in finance.
02:03And I just graduated.
02:05Exactly.
02:06It's time you got some real-world experience.
02:08A job will be good for you.
02:09I'd been hearing that for four years.
02:11In freshman year, they sent me to pack boxes in a warehouse and took Lily to New York.
02:15The sophomore year, I spent every day on my feet in a coffee shop while they paid for Lily's driving
02:20lessons and drove her back and forth.
02:22The junior year, I tutored middle school students while they took Lily to Greece.
02:26And now, I had graduated.
02:28I needed to find a real job.
02:30I needed to figure out what I wanted my life to look like.
02:33But they thought I should go learn a lesson at a grocery store.
02:35Beside them, Lily spun in a circle.
02:37Mom, is Paris going to be hot?
02:39Do you think I need two more dresses?
02:41Buy them.
02:42Your brother's paying.
02:43This trip is for you to enjoy yourself.
02:45It's your last summer before senior year.
02:47Of course you should look your best.
02:49Ryan, you're the best brother ever!
02:51I turned to dad.
02:53His throat moved once.
02:54Then he looked away.
02:56He never asked whether I wanted to go.
02:58I lowered my eyes and slowly put on the shoes.
03:01They really were light.
03:02Light enough to walk out of that house for good.
03:06When we got home, Lily pushed open my door.
03:08Emma, I want to use your suitcase.
03:10My answer was just as direct.
03:12No.
03:13Why?
03:13Mine doesn't look good in photos.
03:15Yours is a better color for Paris.
03:17I need it.
03:19What do you need it for?
03:20You're not going anywhere.
03:22This wasn't the first time she'd used my things.
03:24She wore my sweater to a party and returned its smelling of alcohol.
03:28She took my camera on a trip and brought it back with a cracked lens.
03:32The last few times she borrowed my suitcase, it came back dented.
03:35Every time, she said.
03:37Sorry, I didn't mean to.
03:38Then did it again.
03:40Footsteps sounded outside.
03:41Mom, Dad, and Ryan appeared almost together.
03:44Emma, it's one suitcase.
03:46Do you really have to make such a big deal out of it?
03:48We're family.
03:49Why are we always fighting over little things?
03:51Lily's packing tomorrow.
03:52Don't upset her.
03:54I told you I need it.
03:55I'm not giving it to her.
03:56Are you deaf?
03:57The room fell silent.
03:59Ryan turned and went into his room.
04:00A moment later, he dragged out a sky blue suitcase.
04:05It was his birthday gift.
04:06I'd bought it for his birthday, with three months of part-time pay, the summer after sophomore
04:10year.
04:10He had just started his first full-time job then.
04:12I thought he could use it for business trips, but he had never used it once.
04:17Now he rolled it over to Lily.
04:18Use this.
04:19Is that okay?
04:20Emma gave it to you?
04:21It's fine.
04:22It's mine.
04:23Use it.
04:24Right.
04:25It's fine.
04:26Once you give someone something, they can do whatever they want with it.
04:28Ryan finally looked at me.
04:30His brow furrowed, as if something in my tone bothered him, but he said nothing.
04:34He took Lily's hand with one hand, and pulled the suitcase with the other, then left.
04:38No one called me for dinner that night.
04:40When I came out, they were deep in discussion.
04:42Light wood will look better in pictures for a lake house.
04:46I'm decorating my room myself anyway.
04:48What lake house?
04:49Dad saw me and cleared his throat.
04:51The table went quiet.
04:52Oh, right, Emma.
04:53We bought a little place by the lake six months ago.
04:56We'll take you to see it sometime.
04:58Six months ago?
05:00Yes.
05:01We just never had a chance to tell you.
05:03I cut into the cold chicken on my plate and wondered if they'd never had the chance, or
05:07simply never thought to.
05:09What's the door code?
05:10Zero eight one nine zero four.
05:12My fork stopped.
05:13August 19th was Ryan's birthday.
05:15April was Lily's birth month.
05:17That's a nice code, Mom.
05:19Do you remember when my birthday is?
05:21Why are you asking that?
05:22You don't even remember your own birthday?
05:25You were born in winter.
05:27It snowed hard that day.
05:28Your mom wasn't due yet.
05:30Then she started bleeding in the middle of the night.
05:31Scared us half to death.
05:32He said it as casually as if he were talking about the weather.
05:36You've been trouble since the day you were born.
05:39Thomas, stop!
05:40So?
05:41I'd been the problem from the day I was born.
05:46As I dried the last plate, my phone buzzed.
05:49An email popped up.
05:50Congratulations, Emma Whitmer.
05:52Your onboarding for the Port Marion graduate program has been approved.
05:55Housing confirmed.
05:56Please report next Monday.
05:57I stared at the screen.
05:59My chest suddenly felt lighter.
06:00I'd waited two months for that email.
06:03From the campus career fair, to the online interview, to the final round,
06:07I had done it all by myself.
06:09No one knew.
06:10And of course, no one cared.
06:11I replied.
06:13I'll be there on time.
06:14I went to the University Health Center alone for the pre-employment medical clearance.
06:18The campus was empty after graduation.
06:21I stood in line alone.
06:22Signed forms.
06:23Took an ID photo.
06:25Who should we put down as your emergency contact?
06:27I held the pen for a long time.
06:28Then I wrote down my own email address.
06:30That night, Lily was in the living room showing everyone what she'd bought.
06:34She got Mom a scarf and Dad a shirt.
06:36Mom's eyes crinkled with her smile.
06:37But when she saw me, the smile faded at once.
06:40Look at Lily.
06:41So thoughtful.
06:42She remembers to buy things for her parents when she goes out.
06:45Unlike you.
06:47You graduated.
06:48And you didn't think of us once.
06:50Where was I supposed to get the money?
06:52What do you mean by that?
06:53Are you blaming me for not giving you money?
06:55Have you ever given me any?
06:57Emma!
06:58Don't speak to your mother like that!
07:01I did nothing wrong.
07:03I'm not apologizing.
07:05That night, I booked a one-way ticket to Port Meridian.
07:10The next morning, the house was busy.
07:13Do you have your passport?
07:14Your charger?
07:15Sunscreen?
07:16Your first trip to Paris.
07:17Don't forget anything.
07:19Come on.
07:20The airport car is here.
07:21I pulled my own suitcase out of my room.
07:23The living room went quiet for a second.
07:25There you go again with that face.
07:27Now we can't even be happy around you?
07:30I didn't answer.
07:31I walked straight to the door.
07:32Lily saw my suitcase and paused.
07:34Emma, where are you going?
07:35Where else work?
07:37I opened the door.
07:38The others scoffed and followed me downstairs.
07:40Only Dad's expression changed.
07:42The grocery store was ten minutes from home.
07:44Why was I taking a suitcase?
07:46He walked toward me quickly, with panic on his face.
07:49Emma, where are you going?
07:51Downstairs.
07:51My Uber was waiting by the car.
07:53The driver honked.
07:54Dad, hurry up!
07:55We're going to miss the flight!
07:57Dad stopped.
07:58He looked at me, then at the car.
08:01Dad!
08:02Dad closed his eyes and got into the car.
08:05I stood there and watched it drive away.
08:07Goodbye, Mom and Dad.
08:07You're going to Paris.
08:09I'm going to the station.
08:10I'm not coming back.
08:13I fell asleep the second I got on the train.
08:16When I woke up, the low houses outside had become a gray-blue coastline.
08:20Port Meridian was colder than I expected.
08:22The graduate program had arranged a shuttle.
08:25First time here?
08:26I nodded.
08:27You look exhausted.
08:28Make sure you get some rest.
08:30The internship apartment was near the university district.
08:33There was a coffee shop downstairs, a used bookstore on the corner, and a group of summer grad students living
08:39in the building next door.
08:42You're Emma, right?
08:43I'm Maya.
08:44We were waiting to eat with you.
08:47What sauce do you like?
08:48Tomato cream or pesto?
08:50I froze.
08:50I knew everyone else's favorites, but I didn't know what I liked.
08:55No rush.
08:55I'm a pretty good cook.
08:57You can try all three.
09:00Okay.
09:01That night, the family group chat kept buzzing.
09:04Lily sent an airport selfie.
09:05Paris, here I come.
09:06Mom sent a picture of herself and Lily.
09:09Dad was in the background, holding up his coffee cup and making a face.
09:12Ryan said,
09:13Have fun.
09:14Buy whatever you want.
09:15Mom tagged me.
09:16Emma, remember to get to work early tomorrow.
09:18Don't oversleep.
09:19I didn't reply.
09:21More than ten hours later, Ryan sent a message.
09:25Mom, Emma's gone!
09:27Only then did they realize there was no trace of me left in that house.
09:33Orientation was held in a lecture hall at Port Meridian University.
09:36I held my ID badge, program handbook, and apartment key,
09:39while the director introduced the summer program from the front of the room.
09:42During the break, a man set some papers on my desk.
09:45Hi.
09:46You're missing a safety guide.
09:47He was tall, with dark brown hair and gray-green eyes,
09:49a badge around his neck identified him as a program mentor, Noah Bennett.
09:53Try to stick to the main streets when you walk back to the apartments at night.
09:55New interns get lost easily.
09:59He nodded and went to hand out materials to the others.
10:01A little after nine, my phone buzzed.
10:03The grocery store said you never showed up.
10:05I checked your room.
10:05Your suitcase is gone.
10:06Emma, where are you?
10:07I was so irritated.
10:09Everything okay?
10:09I shook my head, ignoring the cold sweat in my palms.
10:12I'm fine.
10:16I was working late in the records room that night.
10:18By the time I left, half the hallway lights were off.
10:21Noah came out of his office and saw me with my bag.
10:24Miss the shuttle?
10:25I can drive you.
10:27It's okay.
10:27I'll walk.
10:29Stick to the main streets.
10:30Don't take the alley behind the parking garage.
10:33Okay.
10:34But I still took a wrong turn.
10:36Port Meridian's University District was beautiful during the day.
10:38At night, it was too quiet.
10:40After the rain, the pavement reflected the streetlights.
10:42As I passed through an underpass, I heard footsteps behind me.
10:45At first, I thought someone was just walking by.
10:48Then the footsteps got closer.
10:50I hurried up.
10:51So did whoever was behind me.
10:52I had barely turned around when a hand grabbed my bag strap.
10:55The strap cut into my neck.
10:57Help!
11:00The man cursed under his breath and pulled harder at my bag.
11:03The next second, someone rushed over and punched him in the face.
11:06The man stumbled back, then turned and ran.
11:09I curled up on the ground, shaking with pain.
11:11My vision went dark.
11:12Noah crouched beside me.
11:14Emma, don't move.
11:15I called an ambulance.
11:16Look at me.
11:17Don't fall asleep.
11:18I wanted to thank him.
11:20Then everything went black.
11:22When I woke up again, I was in an observation room.
11:25Noah sat at the small table beside my bed, looking through files on his laptop.
11:29The moment he saw me awake...
11:30How do you feel?
11:32It's fine.
11:33He immediately poured me a glass of water and handed it to me.
11:36After I drank, I realized my phone had been vibrating non-stop.
11:39Your family?
11:40I unlocked the screen.
11:41The first message from mom said...
11:43Stop pretending to be dead!
11:44Call me now!
11:48I stared at those words.
11:49The panic came back, and my fingers wouldn't stop shaking.
11:52I'm going to get you something to eat.
11:54Take your time.
11:55After the door closed, I frantically scrolled through the messages.
11:58Where the hell did you go?
12:00Your mother's worried sick.
12:02Stop trying to scare us.
12:05I checked with the grocery store.
12:06You never showed up.
12:07What are you doing?
12:08Emma, you're getting more and more ungrateful.
12:11Emma, don't do this.
12:12Mom is really worried about you.
12:14Worried?
12:14Did she really worry about me?
12:16I gave a short laugh, but my eyes burned.
12:17My phone rang again.
12:19I answered.
12:19Mom's voice came at me immediately.
12:21Emma Wicker, you have some nerve answering.
12:23Where did you run off to?
12:24Port Meridian.
12:26What are you doing there?
12:27Working.
12:28Didn't we find you a job?
12:32I didn't want it.
12:33Since when did you become so selfish?
12:35You left home without a word.
12:36Do you know how humiliating this is for us?
12:38I leaned back against my pillow.
12:40Do you know what I majored in?
12:41No one answered.
12:43Do you know when I interviewed?
12:44Do you know how much of my tuition I paid myself over the last four years?
12:48Do you know I worked every summer and never got to go anywhere?
12:51I'm asking why you didn't go to work.
12:52Why are you bringing up the past?
12:54This isn't the past.
12:55This is my life.
12:56Dad took the phone.
12:57Emma, you're the older sister.
13:00Lily is younger than you.
13:01You should...
13:01She's one year younger than me.
13:03No one spoke.
13:04I laughed once and went on.
13:05Because I'm one year older, I have to be the understanding one forever?
13:08I have to wash dishes, work, and watch her go to New York, Greece, and Paris?
13:14Emma.
13:14And the lake house.
13:16You bought it six months ago.
13:18One hundred and eighty days.
13:20Which day were you too busy to tell me?
13:24The line went completely silent.
13:26You love saying you raised an independent daughter, but all you did was raise a daughter-daughter who learned early
13:31that no one was coming to help her.
13:33Mom sounded shaken.
13:34Do you have to make us sound so awful?
13:36We're your family!
13:39When have you ever treated me like family?
13:43I don't need a family like you.
13:46Then I hung up.
13:48Half an hour later, Noah came back, carrying takeout.
13:50He didn't ask any questions.
13:51He opened the containers and set them in front of me.
13:56Soup first, or food?
13:57I looked at him, and tears fell.
13:59It was the first time anyone had asked me what I wanted.
14:03But for twenty-two years, I had known what everyone else liked.
14:07I had barely thought about what I liked.
14:09Later, when Maya found out about my family, she asked in shock.
14:12They don't celebrate your birthday?
14:13Sometimes they buy a cake, but it's usually Lily's favorite flavor.
14:16She was quiet for a moment, then swore.
14:18On my birthday, they brought a small lemon cake to the apartment rooftop.
14:22Noah came too.
14:23Before I blew out the candles, he handed me a small box.
14:25Inside was a silver bookmark, engraved with,
14:27For the life you choose.
14:29I held it for a long time without speaking.
14:31That night, after everyone else had left,
14:33Noah and I stood at the edge of the rooftop.
14:35The university clock tower rose in the distance,
14:37above the wet streetlights.
14:38A gust of wind came through.
14:40He put his jacket over my shoulders.
14:41Why are you so good to me?
14:43Because I see you.
14:44Something in my chest shifted.
14:46A few seconds later, I looked up and kissed him.
14:48His hand rested lightly on my back,
14:49like he was afraid I might regret it.
14:51But I wouldn't.
14:52When Ryan called,
14:54I hadn't replied to anyone in my family for two months.
14:56The first thing he asked was,
14:57Emma, do you hate us?
14:59I don't hate you.
15:00He seemed to relax.
15:01His voice softened.
15:02Then why won't you come home?
15:04Because I resent you.
15:05There was a long silence.
15:06I used to think you didn't need anything.
15:07You never cried or made a fuss.
15:09You never said anything.
15:10I thought you really didn't care.
15:12I laughed.
15:13I never asked because asking wouldn't have changed anything.
15:16Ryan stopped breathing for a second.
15:18Then he said, his voice dry,
15:20I'm sorry.
15:21A late apology couldn't save who I used to be.
15:23I said nothing.
15:24There was a rustle on the other end.
15:25Dad took the phone.
15:26Emma, come home.
15:27We found you another job near the house.
15:29It's safe and you'll be close to family.
15:30What would I come back for?
15:32He paused.
15:33To wash dishes that never end?
15:35Do housework that never ends?
15:36Watch you all keep revolving around Lily every day?
15:39Dad didn't answer.
15:40I looked out the window and suddenly asked,
15:41Dad, why did you never take me on trips?
15:44I don't like working.
15:45I wanted to go to Paris too.
15:47It was like something hit him.
15:48His voice shook.
15:49Emma, I'm sorry.
15:50I'm sorry.
15:51I hung up.
15:51That night, Lily sent me a long email.
15:54She said she was sorry.
15:55She knew I wanted to travel every summer.
15:57She knew she had damaged my suitcase.
15:59The lake house had been her idea too.
16:01She had asked mom and dad not to tell me yet
16:03because she wanted to pick the room with the lake view first.
16:06She said she always knew it wasn't fair,
16:07but she was too afraid to lose their favoritism.
16:10She hoped I could forgive her.
16:11After I finished reading, I sat there for a long time.
16:14Then I blocked everyone in my family.
16:17Six months later, Noah and I got married at City Hall.
16:20We didn't make a big event of it.
16:22We only invited Maya, Sophie, and Grace.
16:24Grace bought us a bouquet.
16:25Noah was so nervous at the entrance that he buttoned his shirt wrong.
16:28I couldn't help laughing at him.
16:30He looked down, then laughed too.
16:32I'm nervous.
16:33You get nervous too?
16:34I teased.
16:34Of course.
16:35He took my hand.
16:36I'm marrying my favorite person.
16:38How could I not be nervous?
16:39I squeezed his hand back, my eyes stinging.
16:41When we left City Hall, it was still raining lightly.
16:44Noah put his jacket over my shoulders.
16:45Are you cold?
16:46I shook my head.
16:47No.
16:48Then my phone lit up.
16:49A message from an unknown number.
16:51Emma, your mother knows you got married.
16:53Another message came right after.
16:55She called the police.
16:56I stared at the screen and almost laughed.
16:59They were always like this.
17:01If I didn't reply, I was being ungrateful.
17:04If I left home, I was throwing a tantrum.
17:06If I got married, someone had to be controlling me.
17:10They never believed I could choose, clearly and willingly,
17:13not to have them in my life.
17:15Half an hour later, the police contacted me.
17:19Hello, Mrs. Witter.
17:20Your family requested a welfare check.
17:22They believe you may be under someone's control.
17:24I thought about it, then agreed to go in.
17:26After I hung up, Noah asked,
17:28Are you sure?
17:29This needs to end.
17:30Then I smiled and tightened my grip on his hand.
17:32Besides, I'm not afraid anymore.
17:36At the police station, the first time Mom saw me,
17:40Emma!
17:40She ran towards me in tears.
17:42I stepped back.
17:43She missed the hug and froze.
17:45You?
17:45Her voice shook.
17:47How can you treat me like this?
17:50Was it him?
17:52Is he stopping you from contacting us?
17:55No.
17:56I don't want to contact you.
17:58Mom stared at me.
17:59We're your parents!
18:00I know.
18:01Then why didn't you tell us you were getting married?
18:03Because I didn't want you there.
18:05Mom's tears fell.
18:06You're still angry that we favored Lily, aren't you?
18:09But we apologized!
18:11What else do you want?
18:12I thought for a moment.
18:13What did I want?
18:14When I was little, I wanted them to call me to dinner.
18:17In college, I wanted them to ask if I was tired.
18:20On graduation day, I wanted a bouquet of flowers.
18:23When Lily went to Paris,
18:25I wanted someone to ask if I wanted to go too.
18:27But now, I didn't want anything.
18:31I wanted you to love me before I left.
18:34Mom looked like she couldn't breathe.
18:35Emma, your mother and I know we were wrong.
18:38Come home.
18:39The lake house has no room for me.
18:41There's no place for me at the dining table.
18:43I was never part of any of your plans.
18:45Where exactly do you want me to go back to?
18:48We can change all of that.
18:49You only think you need to change after I leave.
18:52That's the biggest problem.
18:55Emma, I'm sorry.
18:56I looked at her red eyes.
18:57It was the first time she had ever apologized to me.
19:00I hear you.
19:01Enough!
19:02Do you have to push this family to the edge before you're satisfied?
19:05Her familiar voice.
19:06Her familiar blame.
19:08Emma, I'm your mother.
19:10You can't really throw me away.
19:12Then you should have remembered sooner that I'm your daughter too.
19:16Mom went pale.
19:17The police station was silent, except for the rain outside.
19:20If you walk out with him today, don't ever come back to this house!
19:24Mom!
19:24Dad's face changed too.
19:26Lily closed her eyes, tears falling.
19:28Noah tightened his grip on my hand.
19:30I suddenly felt calm, as if I had been waiting years to hear those words.
19:34Okay.
19:35Mom froze.
19:35I held Noah's hand and turned toward the door.
19:38Behind me, Mom broke down crying.
19:40Dad shouted under his breath.
19:41Ryan kept calling my name.
19:43Only Lily stayed silent.
19:44She watched me leave, but she didn't follow.
19:46I didn't look back.
19:47By the time we walked out of the station, the rain had stopped.
19:50A pale strip of light showed at the edge of the sky.
19:52Are you okay?
19:53I'm good.
19:54They hadn't changed at all.
19:56That should have made me sad, but I only felt relieved.
19:59Because they hadn't changed, I could leave without hesitation.
20:03On the way back, Noah didn't say much.
20:06He just held my hand tight.
20:08Streetlights stretched our shadows across the ground.
20:10I looked at them, overlapping.
20:12They used to say things like that too.
20:15If I broke Lily's toy, they'd say, Emma, you're the older sister.
20:19If I came first in class, they'd say, Emma, set an example for your sister.
20:25If I got sick, they'd say, Emma, don't get your sister sick.
20:29I spoke slowly, like I was telling someone else's story.
20:33Their love always came with conditions.
20:35I just couldn't cause them any trouble.
20:38He said nothing.
20:40He only smoothed back the hair the wind had messed up.
20:42When we got back, Maya and the others were still awake.
20:45How'd it go?
20:46Your family didn't give you a hard time, did they?
20:49It's over.
20:50So what will you do now?
20:52Are you still staying here?
20:53When my internship housing ended, I'd have to move out.
20:57We're looking for a place.
20:58I froze and looked at him.
21:00We hadn't talked about that yet.
21:02I want a home that's ours.
21:04It doesn't have to be big.
21:05Just somewhere we can see the ocean.
21:07Home.
21:08The word rippled through me.
21:11Okay.
21:14The next day, we started looking at listings online.
21:17No one knew Port Meridian well.
21:19The houses here are older, but the view is great, and it's close to the university.
21:23You could walk to the library.
21:25We booked a viewing for a top floor apartment.
21:27It wasn't big, but the living room had huge floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the gray-blue bay and marina.
21:33I liked it right away.
21:34Do you like it?
21:35We'll take it.
21:36It wasn't until we signed the lease that I realized, how did you know I'd agree?
21:41Because your eyes lit up when you stood by the window.
21:45I want an off-white couch.
21:47Then linen curtains.
21:50I want the bookshelf by the window.
21:52Then we can curl up there and read together.
21:54It all felt so real, like a dream.
21:57When my internship ended, I got a full-time offer.
21:59Noah also finished mentoring and went back to his architecture firm.
22:02On moving day, Maya and the others came to help.
22:05We carried our things into the new place, one box at a time.
22:08Sunlight poured through the windows.
22:09The air smelled like dust in the future.
22:11Then my phone buzzed.
22:14Emma, someone's here for you.
22:17I reached the door and saw Ryan downstairs.
22:19When he saw me, he looked awkward.
22:21Emma.
22:22I leaned against the doorframe.
22:23I had no intention of inviting him up.
22:25This is a wedding gift.
22:27I didn't take it.
22:28I heard you settled in Port Meridian.
22:30Is work going well?
22:30I looked at him and found it almost ironic.
22:32He was always like this, using small talk to hide what he really wanted.
22:36What are you here for?
22:37Ryan's expression finally cracked.
22:39He looked at me, his eyes pleading.
22:41Emma, come home.
22:41Home?
22:42I know you're still mad at us, but mom, she's sick.
22:47My heart dropped, but my face didn't change.
22:49Since you left, she hasn't slept or eaten well.
22:52A few days ago, she even passed out.
22:54Emma, I know we were wrong before, but she's still mom.
22:59Can't you come back to see her?
23:02I said calmly,
23:03Ryan, do you remember the code to the lake house?
23:05He froze.
23:06081904.
23:07I answered for him.
23:08Your birthday.
23:10Lily's birth month.
23:11Do any of you know when my birthday is?
23:13Ryan's lips moved, but no words came out.
23:15You don't.
23:16You only know I was born in winter.
23:18It snowed that day.
23:19Mom had a hemorrhage.
23:21I was a problem from the moment I was born.
23:23His face went pale.
23:24So don't guilt track me with mom being sick.
23:26My words seemed to hit him.
23:27Do you have to be this heartless?
23:29We know we were wrong.
23:30What else do you want?
23:31I want nothing.
23:32I just don't want to keep pretending with you.
23:34I turned to go upstairs.
23:35Emma, do you think marrying him means you can escape all this?
23:38You'll always be a witness.
23:39You can't get away from us.
23:41I stopped, but didn't turn around.
23:43Is that so?
23:44I said softly.
23:45We'll see.
23:47When I got home, Noah was by the window on the phone.
23:50He saw me, hung up quickly, and pulled me into his arms.
23:54It's okay now.
23:54I buried my face in his chest.
23:56Breathing him in, I finally began to relax.
23:59That night, we sat on the rug eating takeout pizza.
24:02Want to travel?
24:02The firm has a project in Oria next month.
24:05We could visit Bella Fiorna while we're there.
24:07A honeymoon.
24:08And my eyes suddenly felt burned.
24:09Okay.
24:10Before we left for Aurelia, Dad called.
24:13Emma, your mom is in the hospital.
24:15He sighed on the other end.
24:16I know you don't believe me.
24:18Ryan told me.
24:18But this time, it's real.
24:20Emma, please.
24:23Come home just once.
24:24Come for me.
24:25I closed my eyes, and for a moment, I was back in that suffocating house.
24:30Dad, I booked my flight to Aurelia for the day after tomorrow.
24:33The line went completely quiet.
24:35Okay.
24:36Okay.
24:37Enjoy your trip.
24:39After I hung up, I sat on the couch for a long time without moving.
24:44Noah came out of his study and handed me a cup of hot water.
24:48Everything taken care of?
24:49He sat beside me and took my cold hand.
24:51Emma, you didn't do anything wrong.
24:53I know.
24:55But the night before our flight, I got a text from an unknown number.
24:59Emma, it's Lily.
25:01I'm in Port Meridian.
25:02I'm at the coffee shop downstairs.
25:04Can you come down?
25:05Don't tell them.
25:06I got dressed and went downstairs.
25:09Lily was sitting in the farthest corner of the coffee shop.
25:11She'd lost a lot of weight.
25:13Her pretty blonde curls were tied back carelessly, and she looked worn out.
25:16The second she saw me, she stood up, looking nervous.
25:20Emma, what are you doing here?
25:21Tears slid down her cheeks, dotting the table.
25:26Every since you left, everything at home has fallen apart.
25:29I finally realized you were the most important person in that family.
25:33So?
25:34Did you come here because you want me to go back and keep your family together?
25:37No!
25:38I just...
25:39I don't know what to do anymore.
25:42It's mom's medical report.
25:43She is really sick.
25:44She's not faking it.
25:46The doctor said she has moderate depression.
25:48She needs family around her.
25:49I didn't look at it.
25:51Lily.
25:53How is a daughter who was never loved supposed to love her mother?
25:56Her tears came faster.
25:58You should go.
25:59I can't help you.
26:01Emma, can you really be this heartless?
26:03She's your mom, too!
26:04That again.
26:05I stood and took out a few bills for my wallet, placing them on the table.
26:08This is for your coffee.
26:09Don't come looking for me again.
26:11Then I turned and left without looking back.
26:14When I got home, Noah was waiting in the living room.
26:17He saw me, but didn't ask anything.
26:18He just came over and held me gently.
26:20I'm here.
26:21I finally burst out crying.
26:23The next day, we flew to Bella Fiora as planned.
26:25The plane broke through the clouds.
26:27The sun was bright.
26:29I leaned against the window and watched the city shrink below us.
26:32I'd never felt so calm.
26:33We stayed in Bella Fiora for three days.
26:35During the day, Noah took me to the Vittoria Gallery, up Street Celeste Cathedral, and for
26:39walks along the Silvara River.
26:41At night, we curled up on the hotel balcony, drinking Valdoro red wine, and looking at the
26:45lights across the river.
26:46He told me a lot about his childhood.
26:48His parents divorced when he was little, and he grew up with his grandmother.
26:51She was a cool old lady who loved rock music and taught him how to play the guitar.
26:55And your grandmother now?
26:56She passed away two years ago.
26:58Noah looked into the distance.
26:59Before she died, she told me to find someone who could make me smile.
27:02He turned to me, his gray-green eyes full of warmth.
27:04I did.
27:06The day we left Bella Fiora, we went to a handmade leather shop.
27:10The owner was a white-haired old man, in reading glasses, hand-stitching a wallet.
27:14Noah picked a dark brown passport holder and had my initials engraved on it.
27:19Watching the old man work, I suddenly asked,
27:21Can you add one more line?
27:24What would you like it to say?
27:26I looked at Noah.
27:27He was smiling at me.
27:28For the life I choose.
27:31After Aurelia, life seemed to settle back into place.
27:34I got used to my new job.
27:36Noah's firm landed a few big projects, too.
27:38We went grocery shopping, cooked together,
27:40and curled up on the couch watching movies on weekend afternoons.
27:44Sometimes, I still thought of my family.
27:47Mom's sharp accusations.
27:49Dad's helpless size.
27:51Ryan's disappointed look.
27:53Lily's red-rimmed eyes.
27:54But those memories already felt far away.
27:57Then, one day, a package arrived at my office.
28:00There was no sender information.
28:02I opened it.
28:02Inside was a sky-blue suitcase, the one I'd given Ryan.
28:08A note was taped to the suitcase in Lily's handwriting.
28:11Emma, I'm sorry.
28:12This was always supposed to be yours.
28:14I stood there, staring at it for a long time.
28:17If you don't want it, throw it out.
28:19I shook my head and pushed it to the very back of the storage room.
28:22I thought that was the end of it.
28:23Then, two weeks later, Ryan showed up outside my office again.
28:26Emma.
28:27I stopped and looked at him.
28:28Lily is gone.
28:29She left a note and disappeared.
28:32None of us can reach her.
28:34My heart sank.
28:35You were the last person she contacted, weren't you?
28:37She came to see you, didn't she?
28:39I didn't answer.
28:40Emma!
28:42Where did you hide her?
28:44I don't know.
28:46You're lying!
28:47It must be you.
28:49You hate us, so you took Lily too, didn't you?
28:55Ryan, have you ever thought Lily didn't leave because of me?
28:58But because of all of you, you never asked what she wanted.
29:01Just like you never asked me.
29:03Go.
29:04I really don't know where Lily is.
29:05He stood there like a statue, completely lost.
29:08That night, I had a dream.
29:10I was back in that house.
29:11The living room was empty.
29:12I opened every door.
29:13Dad's room.
29:14Mom's room.
29:15All empty.
29:15Then I opened my own door.
29:17There was nothing inside.
29:18Just that sky-blue suitcase, standing quietly in the middle of the room.
29:22I woke up drenched in sweat.
29:23Noah stirred and turned on the bedside lamp.
29:25Bad dream?
29:26I dreamed I was the only one left at that house.
29:30That house isn't your home anymore.
29:32You have a new life now?
29:33And suddenly, I understood.
29:34The next morning, I texted Ryan.
29:36Look into art schools in Bella Furia.
29:40Ryan called back almost immediately.
29:42His roar made my ears ring.
29:44Bella Furia?
29:45What kind of place is that?
29:46Emma, where did you send her?
29:48Noah leaned out from the kitchen, his eyes asking what was wrong.
29:51I shook my head.
29:52I didn't do anything.
29:53I just gave you a lead.
29:55A lead?
29:55I don't need your lead.
29:56I need my sister.
29:58Ryan, have you ever stopped to think about what Lilla likes, besides all of you?
30:02The line went quiet.
30:03I could picture his face.
30:04Confusion.
30:05Anger.
30:05Then helplessness.
30:06He was used to having everything under control.
30:08It never occurred to him that she might have a path of her own.
30:11She likes to draw.
30:13When she applied to college, art history was her first choice.
30:16Not media studies.
30:18She's been sketching in secret for four years, hiding them under her bed.
30:22None of you even knew.
30:23You gave her everything you wanted to give, but you never asked what she wanted.
30:26Now she's gone to find it herself.
30:28Then I hung up.
30:29Noah came over, took the phone from my hand, and set it on the coffee table.
30:33Will he go looking for her?
30:35He will.
30:36He won't let anything slip out of his control.
30:40The next week was strangely quiet.
30:43Ryan stopped calling, and the family group chat went dead, as if Lily's departure had
30:48drained the life out of everyone.
30:50Noah and I settled into our new routine.
30:52We spent the weekend shopping for furniture, looking for a sofa big enough for both of us
30:56to curl up on.
30:57At a thrift store, I found a warm yellow floor lamp, and Noah said its light matched my eyes.
31:02We started living like a real married couple.
31:04On Saturday mornings, we went to the farmer's market by the sea, where the air smelled of
31:08salt, coffee, and fresh bread.
31:10Noah always bought white chamomile, while I picked out the freshest strawberries and
31:14tomatoes.
31:15Noah, you always pick the prettiest flowers in the market for your wife.
31:19Noah would laugh and hand them to me.
31:22I carried the bag of groceries while he held my hand, sunlight warming us both.
31:26For the first time, I truly felt I was living a new life, one I had chosen for myself.
31:32I thought the storm was over.
31:34Then, on Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from an unknown Aurelia number.
31:39The line stayed silent for a few seconds before a voice I knew, yet barely recognized, came
31:44through.
31:44Sis.
31:45It was Lily.
31:46I thought the storm was over.
31:47I thought the storm was over.
31:47I thought the storm was over.
31:48I thought the storm was over.
31:48I thought the storm was over.
31:48I thought the storm was over.