Chapter 9

I hesitated. Jordan, afraid I didn't understand, hurriedly explained, "It's where you and Rhys used to live. Since he came home the day before yesterday, he hasn't gone out or spoken to anyone. He's been like a lost soul."

The calm mood instantly turned tense. I asked urgently, "What happened? Where are you? I'll come right away. Let's meet and talk." Although I'd broken up with Rhys, I couldn't stand idly by, even if we were just friends.

After sending Jordan the location, he arrived in fifteen minutes. I got in the car and anxiously asked, "Tell me everything."

Kaitlin's funeral had been the day before yesterday. Despite her fight, the illness had taken her. Rhys had been by her side until the end. When Kaitlin closed her eyes, he cried like a heartbroken child. Afterward, he and Jordan, a close friend, drank heavily. Knowing Rhys was drowning his sorrows, they urged him to drink less, accept his loss, and try to be optimistic. He insisted it was fine. Jordan stayed to make sure he was alright before leaving.

But since yesterday morning, Rhys hadn't spoken a word. He'd stared at old photos of us, lost in thought. Jordan's shouting and even cursing elicited no reaction; he seemed unresponsive.

Jordan looked worried. "Something's wrong. I called you immediately, Bridget. I know Rhys was a jerk and hurt you. But, considering you once loved each other, could you help him? At least get him to act normal. This is terrifying."

My willingness to come indicated my commitment to help.

Arriving at Rhys's house, I saw him exactly as Jordan described: sitting on the floor, holding an old photo, his face expressionless, as if in a daze. Jordan stepped forward. "Rhys, you son of a bitch, look who's here!"

Rhys remained indifferent. Seeing his state, a painful tightness gripped my chest. I squatted, waving my hand gently before his eyes. "Rhys, it's Bridget. Look at me."

He still didn't respond. Jordan's face was filled with horror. "Could the shock have driven him mad?"

Worried, I gently called his name again. "Rhys, it's me, Bridget. Do you remember me?"

Seeing no reaction, I urgently grabbed his arm and twisted it. He cried out in pain. "He has sensation!" I exclaimed.

The next second, Rhys hugged me and sobbed. I stood frozen, looking at Jordan. He was surprised. "Damn it, Rhys, you scared the hell out of me. I thought you…"

"I'm fine," Rhys said, releasing me, his eyes filled with tears and gratitude. "Bridget, thank you for coming."

I looked at him cautiously, still uneasy. "Are you really okay? You looked terrifying."

He smiled and shook his head. "I'm fine."

"Why didn't you say anything? You had no expression at all?"

He chuckled, as if admitting to deserving a beating. "I wanted to see if you'd feel sorry for me."

Realizing I'd been tricked, I angrily stood and walked away. Rhys caught up, pleading, "Bridget, don't go! Please stay?"

I broke free. "Rhys, it's over."

"No!" He shook his head vehemently, refusing to accept it. "If it's over, why did you come? You must still care about me, right?"

He was still in my heart, but only as a friend. Turning, I stared at him without emotion. "Even if I saw a stranger collapse, I'd be concerned. Don't overthink this."

Rhys was struck, trembling, his eyes filled with despair. I turned again, avoiding his gaze. "Stop worrying everyone. How else can Kaitlin rest in peace?"

Walking out, I heard his wails, tearing at my heart. My own eyes stung.