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Back home, I do a final check on my luggage.
Busy until dawn, I unexpectedly find Theo’s diary.
The diary details how he met Lydia during his toughest times years ago.
The most crucial pages are torn out
Only one line remains: “That was the most unforgettable time of my life.”
One book after another follows.
All describing his longing for Lydia.
On the day he agreed to marry me, his diary read:
10:26 AM
<
“I was young and foolish, mistaking clouds for treasures, missing my only true love. No matter how hard I try, I can’t turn Nora into Lydia.”
“The past is unchangeable. For Lydia’s sake, I’ll be kind to Nora.”
His handwriting is strong and powerful.
Every stroke feels engraved on my heart.
Tears fall, smudging the diary’s words.
I look up at the gifts Theo gave me over the years.
From jewelry, bags, and clothes to flowers, chocolates, and phone cases.
All things Lydia likes.
Then, I look in the mirror at myself, a miniature version of Lydia.
I thought Theo and I, after knowing each other for years, had some feelings between us.
But…
Despite witnessing the harm Lydia caused me, he chose to believe her.
Despite knowing how much I hate Lydia, he still shaped me into her substitute.
Feelings of grievance and anger overwhelm me.
I smash the mirror and cut my carefully styled hair.
Afterward, I tear off the last calendar page.
It bears my final wish.
“Have the most romantic wedding, marry the one I love most, Theo.”
Now, the wedding is in ruins.
The person I once loved is unrecognizable.
I crumple the paper into a ball and toss it away.
Taking nothing with me,
I head alone to the airport.
At noon, just as I sit down, Theo calls.
“Nora, where did you go?”
The plane’s take–off announcement chimes.
I don’t answer, turn off my phone, and lean back, falling into a deep sleep.
Perhaps too much happened recently, and I was exhausted.
For the first time in ages, I sleep well on the plane.
But even in dreams, I still see Theo’s face.
At seventeen, watching movies together.
He said he’d always protect me and make me happy.
C
10:26 AM
<
I left with nothing but myself, taking a taxi alone to the airport.
At noon, just as I settled into my seat, Theo’s call came through.
Despite my chronic insomnia, I slept well on the plane.
But in my dreams, Theo’s face still appeared.
When we were seventeen, we watched movies together.
He promised to always protect me and make me happy.
At twenty, we confirmed our relationship.
He promised to work hard to give me a bright future and a warm home.
When did things between us begin to change?
Was it when Lydia appeared, or was it even earlier?
I can’t remember.
Theo was a constant presence throughout my youth.
No matter how calm I tried to remain, letting go of him was profoundly painful.
After the flight, I couldn’t even bring myself to turn on my phone.
