Chapter 8

Three months later, I found Ryan at Keira's grave.

He was a shadow of his former self, hunched over, gaunt, with sunken eyes and graying hair. He looked like someone at death's door.

"Lena…" His voice trembled as tears fell down his face.

He seemed to be aware, for once, of what he'd done.

"How did you find this place?" I asked coldly, my eyes fixed on Keira's grave.

"Your mother took pity on me and told me you'd be here… and that Keira was here too."

There, in front of Keira's gravestone, were some of her favorite foods and a bouquet of baby's breath, her favorite flowers, symbolizing remembrance.

"Now that you've seen her, you should go," I said, my voice icy.

"Lena, let's reconcile. Every day without you has been hell," he pleaded, his voice cracking.

"Mr. Greene, mind your words. I'm not your wife anymore."

"Lena, this past year has been pure agony. I've been tormented by guilt every single day. Whenever someone knocks on the door, I hope it's you, coming back. You're the love of my life. Please, give me another chance. Let's remarry. I swear, I'll never hurt you again," he begged, his desperation palpable.

"What's lost can never be found again. What returns is never the same as it once was. From now on, you're you, and I'm me. There's no more ‘us,' Mr. Greene. Please leave. Let's never meet again in this life."

I paused, my heart hardening as I spoke the final words.

"Also, don't come here again. Keira is resting peacefully. Your presence will only stir up painful memories for her, the memories of an irresponsible father who abandoned her at a highway exit, of a heartless father who refused to save her in her final moments."

With that, I turned and walked away.

Behind me, I heard him wail in anguish.

But I didn't look back.

He didn't deserve my sympathy.