Chapter 8

As Zachary turned away, he wiped his eyes roughly.

I felt like crying too, but I blinked hard, forcing back the sting of tears.

Outside the window, the cheerful chatter of birds filled the air, their lively song breaking the silence. I turned my head, gazing outside, a trace of longing in my eyes.

Suddenly, the sound of a plastic bag dropping to the floor pulled me back to reality.

"Why are you back so quickly..." I began with a smile, but my words faltered when I saw who had arrived.

There was Seth, looking anxious and flustered, a plastic bag at his feet, with Leah standing awkwardly beside him.

"Melody, I swear I didn't mean to bring him here," Leah blurted out, fiddling nervously with her fingers. "I just ran into him at the hospital, and I couldn't help it—I started yelling at him and accidentally let it slip."

I watched Leah, noticing her frustration, and let out a soft laugh.

"It's fine. Maybe it's for the best. Some things need to be cleared up."

I asked Leah to wait outside