Chapter 9

"Alec." I gestured awkwardly, cutting him off. "It's over."

He looked at me, the last glimmer of hope fading from his eyes.

"Goodbye."

I gazed at him, uttering those words calmly.

In that instant, four years of pain, entanglement, and unshakable feelings dissipated like wisps of smoke.

Alec, this farewell, four years overdue, I could finally say it properly.

After I fell asleep, Alec still lingered outside the hospital room, refusing to leave.

Captain Stone cursed furiously, telling him to get lost over and over again.

I listened to the argument outside, feeling neither pity nor satisfaction.

Eventually, even Captain Stone ran out of steam, his voice gradually fading.

I thought I heard Alec's muffled sobs.

How strange, I thought.

Even stranger was that I couldn't feel an ounce of sympathy.

Exhaustion quickly consumed my consciousness.

When I woke up the next day, the sun was already high. Captain Stone, looking energetic, brought me a hearty breakfast.