Cast aside and forgotten by the family who should have celebrated them, a young person disappears without a trace for three years. When they finally return, they are no longer the overlooked child everyone dismissed—and those who wronged them must face the consequences.
Elena, I'm sorry. This is all because of me. I really couldn't adjust to the climate there, and I was scared I wouldn't be able to handle anything on my own. I looked at She had never applied to the university in Chicago in the first place. Sophia, this isn't your fault.
But I feel terrible knowing Elena has to go alone. Her eyes reddened. Marco, maybe you should go with Elena after all. I'll be fine staying in Manhattan.
Absolutely not. Father immediately put down his silverware. Katerina hurried to speak. Sophia isn't in great health.
I don't feel comfortable letting her start college alone. Marco, this is her first time living away from home. Your schools are close. Please look after her, especially with the dorm and everything.
Marco said nothing. He didn't object. I remembered my birthday last year. They had said everyone was busy, and promised they would celebrate it that
Sophia claimed she had accidentally taken the cake I ordered. The strawberry cake had her name written across it. I sat alone in my dark bedroom. Then Marco climbed through my window carrying a tiny cream cake.
Someone had awkwardly written one word across the top. Elena, he said. It doesn't matter if everyone else forgets. I remembered.
I cried so hard. He wiped my tears and said, Elena, I'll always have your back. Apparently, always, was a word you should never believe.
After dinner, Marco followed me onto the balcony. Elena, did you hear something? I leaned against the door without looking at him.