The App That Failed, The Love That Never Was Chapter 06

The App That Failed, The Love That Never Was Chapter 06

After blocking every single contact from my family, for the first time in years, I could breathe. I was Blissfully unaware of the chaos erupting back home.

The plane touched down at the airport, and I spotted my advisor right away. She greeted me with a warm smile and drove me to the student apartment her department had arranged.

It was a cozy studio, barely three hundred square feet, but floor–to–ceiling windows flooded the space with light.

My advisor handed me a cup of coffee, concern etched in her voice. “You look terribly pale. Did the long journey wear you out? We can adjust your summer job start date. Take two full days to rest and get your strength back.”

Then she spoke with genuine admiration. “Most incoming freshmen[] your age are enjoying their last summer before college. You came here alone and took on a job before classes even started. That takes a kind of strength most people haven’t had to develop.”

I smiled faintly and said nothing.

Bravery wasn’t a choice. It was the only option left when nobody loved you enough to make it

unnecessary.

A sharp pain shot through my abdomen, and I winced.

My advisor noticed my discomfort at once. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”

I saw no point in hiding it. “It’s nothing serious. I just had an appendectomy a few days ago; the incision hasn’t fully healed yet.”

Her eyes went wide in shock. “An appendectomy? Your parents are so irresponsible! How could they let you board such a long–haul flight alone when you’re still recovering?”

I managed a bitter smile. “They didn’t know. And I’m not sure it would’ve mattered if they did.”

Understanding flickered across her face. She asked no further questions and gently took my hand. Her palm was soft and warm.

“No wonder you had to push yourself so hard to come early and work.” She looked straight into my eyes, earnest. “I have complete faith in you. You’re so talented, and you will build a wonderful future for yourself through your own efforts. Come to me immediately if you run into any hardship.”

Something tight in my chest, knotted for years, began to loosen under her kindness. I nodded with a smile, my eyes stinging with tears.

Once my advisor left, I started unpacking. I couldn’t stop taking photos, marveling at every detai

The sun–drenched living area, the spacious wooden desk, and the small open kitchenette.

Best of all, the AC unit was brand new. I pressed the remote, and cool air hummed to life. No rattling noise, no stale, unpleasant smell.

I lay back comfortably on the bed, watching dappled sunlight drift across the room. I had never felt so light and free.

My phone, on silent, lit up. It was a message from Sally, my closest friend from high school.

[Nalani! Where on earth are you?]

[Your parents are frantic. They’ve called so many of our classmates, saying you’ve gone missing. They sounded like they were about to cry!]

[Also, they mentioned reporting you missing! Text me back as soon as you can to let me know you’re safe, okay?]

Gone missing? Police report? I laughed bitterly.

How ironic. Since when did they care whether I lived or died?

I didn’t want my classmate to worry, nor did I want things escalating further.

I typed three words: [I’m fine.]

Then I muted all notifications and flipped my phone face–down on the nightstand.

This so–called family love, eighteen years too late, felt fake and cheap. I wanted none of it.