I stepped out of the hospital feeling heavier than when I had entered it, a small part of me had wanted them to be happy about my leaving with Aaron. I had wanted their approval. But at the very least… they could have asked me to stay.
Just once.
I shook my head slowly, disappointment settling deep in my chest.
It had always been like this.
I didn't know what I had been expecting.
"I'm the problem," I muttered to myself with a bitter laugh.
The street outside the hospital buzzed with life—cars honking, people talking, the evening wind brushing against my face—but none of it really registered. My mind was still tangled in the conversation with Mom… and the way Elena had looked so excited when she heard I was leaving.
I kept walking toward the road, trying to cross the street to get a cab.
My vision blurred slightly as tears stung my eyes.
Then suddenly—
Something slammed into me.
Hard.
I didn't even see what it was.
