There was a delicate box on my desk. Inside were the little trinkets Zachary had given me over the years, along with a thick stack of letters he had written to me.

I opened the box and glanced inside. Then I grabbed it without hesitation and tossed it into the trash bin out in the yard.

Mom stood at the doorway, staring at me in surprise. "Natty, you—"

I dusted my hands and said casually, "They're all useless and should be thrown away."

Mom walked over and wrapped me in a gentle hug. "Good. It's time to move on."

The days before I was to leave the country passed in a blur. I hung out with friends, spent time with my family, and packed my luggage.

I deliberately ignored all news about Zachary and Vivian. All I knew was that Zachary had tried to contact me multiple times, but he had failed each time.

His mom told me that he had cried for hours the day he found out that I had thrown away his gifts and letters. He said that he didn't understand why I had become like this and that he regretted it.

I had no idea what he regretted, and I had no interest in finding out. All I felt was excitement for the future ahead of me.

…

The airport was bustling with people. After checking in my luggage, I took one last moment to say goodbye to my parents.

Mom's eyes were red-rimmed as she reminded me, "Once you get there, make sure you video call us every day."

"Alright, Mom. Don't worry," I replied.

Dad gave my shoulder a firm pat. "If you run short on money, just tell me. Don't make things hard for yourself."

I answered them one by one, and we talked a while longer.

Just as I was going through security, Zachary came running, out of breath. He was stopped outside the checkpoint.

"Natalie!" he shouted.

He looked like he had sprinted the whole way, his hair slightly disheveled. "Aren't you supposed to attend Prestwick University with me? Why did your parents say that you're studying abroad? Where are you actually going?"

There was undeniable panic in his voice, but I paid him no mind. I let him scream and cry behind me until the security guards dragged him away.

As the plane took off, I watched the city shrink beneath the window, my mind completely calm. I knew that my new life had finally begun.