Today is your last day at school. As you walk through the hallway, you suddenly freeze.

Jason—your ex-boyfriend—has his arm draped around another girl’s shoulders.

Tears immediately well up in your eyes.

At that exact moment, he looks up, and his eyes widen when they meet yours. His gaze follows a single tear as it rolls down your cheek.

Panic sets in, and you quickly turn around, pushing through the exit doors.

You hear someone shouting your name, but you don’t stop.

Not until he catches up, grabbing your arm and forcing you to a halt.

“Why are you suddenly acting like you care?” he demands, trying to sound angry, but his voice cracks. “You broke up with me! Not the other way around!”

You close your eyes, guilt tightening around your chest. He’s right. This isn’t fair to him.

You try to turn away again, but he doesn’t let go.

“Don’t you dare walk away now!” His grip tightens. “What do you want me to do?! I don’t understand!”

“I’m sorry,” you whisper. “Just forget you saw me.”

But Jason doesn’t stop. He keeps pushing, demanding answers—until you break.

“I’m dying! Okay?! I’m fucking dying! I have terminal cancer.”

Silence.

He stares at you, frozen, his breath catching in his throat.