Chapter 2

Halfway through dinner, my phone rang. It was Sarah, her voice tinged with urgency.

“Matt, you saw Daniel’s Instagram post, didn’t you?”

“I saw it.”

“I’m spending his birthday with him, but I’ll come back after. Next year, I’ll celebrate with you instead, okay? Don’t get upset over this, alright? Be the bigger person.”

In the past, I would’ve lost it—yelling, arguing, making a scene. But now, I didn’t have the energy for it anymore.

“Okay,” I said simply.

The next morning, around 7:00 AM, I was jolted awake by the sound of my phone ringing. It rang three times before stopping.

I glanced at the screen—Sarah.

She had this habit of calling me when she didn’t feel like using her key. Three rings, then she’d hang up, knowing I’d rush to the door no matter what I was doing.

But not today.

I tossed the phone aside, pulled the blanket over my head, and went back to sleep.

The spare key was under the shoe rack by the door. She knew that.

Last night, I’d been up until 3:00 AM packing. My head was still pounding. The phone rang a few more times, but I couldn’t even muster the energy to look at it.

I don’t know how much time passed before I heard the sound of the door opening, followed by a loud thud as it slammed against the wall.

Sarah stormed into the bedroom, shoving the door open with enough force to rattle the hinges.

“Matt!” she snapped. “Why didn’t you open the door for me? I called you so many times! You know I hate using the key!”

I opened my eyes, looked at her blankly, and said, “I was too tired. Didn’t hear it.”

Sarah’s mouth opened as if to argue, but she finally just huffed and said, “I’m starving. Get up and make me some oatmeal. I didn’t sleep at all last night, so I need to eat and catch up on sleep.”

In the past, I would’ve jumped out of bed and hurried to the kitchen, eager to please her.

But now, I just said, “I’m tired too. Go grab something from the café downstairs.”

Her face darkened with frustration, but she held it in. “Are you still mad about me not being with you on your birthday yesterday?”

“No,” I replied calmly. “You’re overthinking it.”

She didn’t believe me and continued, as if trying to justify herself.

“Daniel is like a brother to me. His parents passed away when he was young—if I don’t celebrate his birthday with him, who will? Don’t be so petty. You’re better than this.”

“You’re right,” I said. “It’s good that you were there for him. I’m not upset.”

I got out of bed and headed toward the bathroom.

Sarah grabbed my hand, reluctantly pulling something out of her pocket. “Here. Stop being moody. This is your birthday gift. I didn’t forget.”

She handed me a cheap red string bracelet with a small metal charm dangling from it.

“You’re in your zodiac year,” she said. “I thought this would bring you good luck.”

I stared at the bracelet, the flimsy charm swaying as she held it out. It looked so thoughtless, especially compared to the expensive watch Daniel had posted on Instagram yesterday—the one she’d given him.

I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to myself.

For months, I’d noticed Sarah cutting back on her spending. I’d convinced myself she was saving up for something special for my birthday.

Turns out, I was just fooling myself.

I glanced at my wrist, where I was already wearing the watch my mom had sent me last week.

“Thanks,” I said. “But I already have a watch. I don’t think I’ll wear this. You keep it.”

Sarah’s face twisted with anger. “You say you’re not mad, but now you’re being picky? You used to love everything I gave you, no matter how small. Why are you acting like this now?”

She wasn’t wrong. Her gifts had always been cheap—trinkets that cost a few bucks, or sometimes nothing at all when she forgot. But I never minded.

Every year, though, I went out of my way to make her birthday special. Just last week, I’d given her a gold necklace.

Now, I was just too tired. Too drained to argue anymore.

I took the bracelet and shoved it into my pocket. “Thanks,” I said flatly.

I got dressed and headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” Sarah asked, her voice sharp with suspicion.

“To play basketball with some friends,” I replied.

Since we’d started dating, every spare moment of my life had been hers. I gave up weekends, hobbies, and time with friends to entertain her, shop with her, and take care of her.

Not anymore.

From now on, I’m living for myself.