No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Conrad looked like he had been through a war zone. His hair was a mess, and a stubble had begun to take over his usually clean-shaven face. It was the first time I'd seen him in such disarray, a clear sign that his night had been as restless as mine. He must have caught wind of his father's actions; why else would he have blown up my phone all night? Even though I deeply resented him, the mastermind behind my suffering, I realized I felt no hatred when I actually faced him. Instead, there was an unsettling calmness, perhaps a sign that my capacity for hate had reached its limit.

Standing awkwardly at the door, this was hardly the place for a heart-to-heart. "Come in," I said with an unexpected serenity.

Conrad slumped onto the couch across from me. "My mom... she told me everything... Felicia, I'm sorry..."

His apology hung in the air, unfinished. I knew there was more he came to say.

"Felicia, I know saying sorry is meaningless now, so I'm here to ask you..." He hesitated, his eyes searching mine.

It wasn't a question, more of a plea. "Could you let him be, just for my dad's sake? He doesn't have much time left."

A plea from Conrad was a rarity. Despite his flaws, he was undeniably devoted to his family.

less than to pay

you even understand the nature of this debt? It's a debt of life," I found my voice rising, betraying

brought back memories of all I

how could they ever make up for losing my parents? That's what really tore me up.

into his features. "Felicia, I know nothing we

can bring them back to life. I'm left talking to cold

know who I hate the most?" I fought to keep my emotions in

hand. "I hate that I share the same blood type as you. Why did

mixture of pain and regret flashing

to blame," I spat out, the memories of our past, once

my anger. "What good does that

my death make your hatred lessen? Would it ease your heart if I