Chapter 7

There were three days left before the flight. Janet sent me a photo of Emmanuel barbecuing by the sea. [Janet: To celebrate me getting pregnant with his child, he rewarded me with a vacation in the Maldives~ He said I was tired from being pregnant, so I should just lie down and wait to eat.] I didn't reply, but instead invited a few close friends to get together one last time. After all, we might not be able to meet again in the future. I had a great time at the gathering. There are two days left until the flight departs. Janet sent another photo of Emmanuel reading a book, but this time it was called *Baby Early Education Guide*. 【Janet: The new dad is very concerned about the baby’s education. Even though the baby is still just a little bean in my belly, Dad has been talking to him through my stomach every day.】 I still didn't reply. I went to the bank, exchanged all the money inside into euros in cash, and canceled all my bank cards. There was one day left before the flight departed. This time, Janet sent a video. The video showed a beautiful and romantic fireworks display over the sea. Janet cried tearfully, and Emmanuel gently hugged her and comforted her: “Why are you crying? There will be more surprises in the future.” 【Janet: He rented out the entire island for me, and bought out all the fireworks in the Maldives just to celebrate my birthday.】 So today is Janet’s birthday. A birthday and a pregnancy—it must be a double celebration for the two of them. After watching the video, I just smiled faintly and then called the local charity organization. “Hello, I have a batch of clothes I’d like to donate to impoverished mountainous areas.” Soon, a representative from the local charity organization drove over. During the days Emmanuel was away, I had already packed everything up. There were five large bags of clothes and shoes, and I donated them all, leaving nothing behind. ID cards, household registration books, degree certificates, and other items belonging to “me,” along with all her daily necessities at home, I took directly to a factory, gave the staff some money, and asked them to burn everything. Standing once again in this home I’d lived in for five years, I felt a bit strange. The house had been cleaned spotless, with not a single trace of Erin left. I had only a backpack with me. Inside was only my passport. If there were any old items, it was just this phone in my hand. I used the phone to hail a taxi to the airport. The driver stopped at the terminal entrance. Just as she was about to pay the fare with her phone, she received a call from Emmanuel. “Erin, I’m back from my business trip. I’m coming home to pick you up. Let’s go out to eat together.” He had returned. Janet was with him. I was sitting in the car and happened to see the two of them walk out of the terminal. Emmanuel was pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases on it, one blue and one pink, obviously a couple's set. Janet was holding his arm, leaning on his shoulder like a little bird. “Are you tired from your business trip?” “It's okay, not too tired.” By the way, I remember you said I could open the gift you gave me today, right?" “Right.” “I'm so excited. You made me wait a whole week. I've been guessing every day what you'd give me. It's our wedding anniversary, so it must be something meaningful, right?” “Very meaningful. You'll see when you open it.” “Alright, then wait for me. I'll be home in about two hours.” Two hours is enough. By then, my plane should have already crossed the border. “Alright.” “See you later, I love you, Erin.” After hanging up the phone, I saw Janet pouting in displeasure, while Emmanuel leaned down and kissed her lips, as if to comfort her. The driver reminded her, “Miss, you haven’t paid the fare yet.” I looked away, scanned the driver’s payment code, and transferred all the money in my phone wallet to him. The driver saw this and panicked: “Miss, you entered the wrong amount. It’s 130 dollars, not 13,000 dollars! I’ll refund it to you.” “No need,” I opened the door and got out of the car: “I won’t need it anymore. Thank you for bringing me here.” “No need to thank me. It's my job. You paid the fare, so I had to bring you here.” “That's different. You brought me here, to the path of rebirth leading to my future.” After getting out of the car, I turned off my phone, took out the phone card, and threw it into the trash can. Then I gave the phone to a little kid. The kid was very happy: “Thank you, sister!” I smiled and ruffled his hair: “You're welcome.” The child's mother felt embarrassed: “This is such a valuable item; we can't accept it.” I asked, “Are you going abroad?” “Yes, we're going to Africa to find his father.” I smiled and said, “Then take it. You might need it in Africa.” “Alright, thank you.” I waved goodbye to them: Have a safe trip." The announcement was playing: [Harriet, please proceed to Gate H23 immediately after hearing this announcement. Your flight is about to depart...] I clutched my passport, took one last look back, and resolutely walked toward the gate.