No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Conrad looked like he had been through a war zone. His hair was a mess, and a stubble had begun to take over his usually clean-shaven face. It was the first time I'd seen him in such disarray, a clear sign that his night had been as restless as mine.

He must have caught wind of his father's actions; why else would he have blown up my phone all night? Even though I deeply resented him, the mastermind behind my suffering, I realized I felt no hatred when I actually faced him. Instead, there was an unsettling calmness, perhaps a sign that my capacity for hate had reached its limit.

Standing awkwardly at the door, this was hardly the place for a heart-to-heart. "Come in," I said with an unexpected serenity.

Conrad slumped onto the couch across from me. "My mom... she told me everything... Felicia, I'm sorry..."

His apology hung in the air, unfinished. I knew there was more he came to say.

"Felicia, I know saying sorry is meaningless now, so I'm here to ask you..." He hesitated, his eyes searching mine.

It wasn't a question, more of a plea. "Could you let him be, just for my dad's sake? He doesn't have much time left."

A plea from Conrad was a rarity. Despite his flaws, he was undeniably devoted to his family.

I remained silent, letting him stew in his own awkwardness. "I know it's a lot to ask, considering my dad... he'd deserve nothing less than to pay with his life for what he owes your family. But I'm begging you to let him be, and let me take on his debts."

"Conrad, do you even understand the nature of this debt? It's a debt of life," I found my voice rising, betraying my calm demeanor.

The mention of life debt brought back memories of all I had lost because of him, deepening the wound.

Conrad's eyes dropped. "I know. That's why I'm asking you to let him go. I'll do anything you ask in return."

But how could they ever make up for losing my parents? That's what really tore me up.

"What do you think could possibly repay the life of my parents?" I challenged him sharply.

He met my gaze, defeat etched into his features. "Felicia, I know nothing we do can bring your parents back. The toss you've suffered... there's no undoing it."

"Exactly. I've lost my parents, Conrad. Nothing you do can bring them back to life. I'm left talking to cold gravestones," my voice trembled with the effort to remain composed.

"I need to know, Conrad, do you know who I hate the most?" I fought to keep my emotions in check.

"I hate myself," I lifted my arm, striking it with the other hand. "I hate that I share the same blood type as you. Why did I have to meet you?"

His expression tightened, a mixture of pain and regret flashing across his face.

"Conrad, all of this began with you. You're the one truly to blame," I spat out, the memories of our past, once sweet, now a bitter joke.

"Yes, I know I'm to blame," he agreed quietly.

But his acceptance only fueled my anger. "What good does that do? Can you turn back time?"

"I can't," he conceded. "Felicia, would my death make your hatred lessen? Would it ease your heart if I were gone?"

Death? Was he serious?

My emotions got the best of me. "Fine, then die!"

He looked at me, a deep sadness in his eyes. "If my death can lessen your hatred, if it can make you spare my father, then I'm willing."

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He stood up, his next words heavy with emotion "Felicia, if I could say what the happiest moment of my life was, would be meeting you. My biggest regret is losing you. If there's another life, I hope we meet simply, love gently, and grow old together."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me with a tumult of emotions and the echo of what could have been.