章 23: New Horizons
The faint aroma of green tea wafted through the air as I sat cross-legged on the tatami mat in my grandmother's living room. The sun filtered softly through the paper screens, casting warm, golden light across the room. Jia lounged beside me, scrolling aimlessly on her phone.
"So, what's the plan, Suri?" she asked, finally looking up.
I hesitated, the words sitting heavily on my tongue. It wasn't just a plan—it was a lifeline, a way to escape the chaos my life had become. "I'm thinking about going to med school," I said, my voice steady, though my heart beat faster at the admission.
Jia raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing grin. "Oh, so you're going to become Dr. Lee now, huh? I better start saving for VIP treatment."
I rolled my eyes, laughing despite myself. "I'm serious. I've been thinking about it for a while. I want to help people, Jia. I want to do something meaningful with my life."
Her smile softened, and she nodded. "That's actually really cool, Suri. You'd be amazing at it. But… why now?"
I looked away, my gaze falling on the cup of tea in front of me. The surface rippled slightly as I exhaled. "It's not just about the future. It's about leaving the past behind."
Jia leaned closer, her tone shifting to one of concern. "This is about that guy, isn't it?"
My chest tightened, and for a moment, I debated brushing her off. But Jia had always been able to see through me, even when we were kids. Pretending otherwise felt pointless.
"His name is Liam," I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "We… we were close. At least, I thought we were."
Jia tilted her head, studying me with those sharp, knowing eyes of hers. "What happened?"
"He was engaged," I said, the bitterness in my voice catching even me by surprise. "And he didn't tell me. I found out on my own, and when I confronted him, he said it wasn't what it seemed. But how could I believe that?"
Jia's mouth fell open. "He was what?! That—ugh, I can't even find words for how much of a jerk that makes him!"
I shook my head, wrapping my arms around my knees. "It's not that simple. I think… I think he did care about me. Maybe even loved me. But there was so much I didn't know about his life, about the people controlling him."
"Still," Jia said, her voice firm, "he hurt you. And from the way you're talking, it sounds like he still has a hold on you."
I swallowed hard, blinking back the sting of tears. "I don't want him to. That's why I'm doing this. Med school will give me a fresh start—a chance to build a life where I don't feel like I'm drowning in everyone else's problems."
Jia reached over and took my hand, her grip warm and reassuring. "Suri, you're stronger than you think. You don't need med school to prove that, but if it's what you want, I'll back you all the way."
I smiled, a small but genuine one. "Thanks, Jia. I think… I think it's time I start taking control of my life again."
The conversation felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could see a future—one where I wasn't defined by my pain, my past, or the people I'd left behind.
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