"I'll open it later. See you at the hotel tonight," Leon said hurriedly before rushing out the door.
What he didn’t know was that tonight marked the end for us.
I called for a courier, instructing them to deliver the gift box to Leon at the hotel later that evening.
Then I began clearing out everything in the house that belonged to me—or that I had once given to him. Piece by piece, I discarded it all. There was nothing here worth taking.
Even my wedding ring found its way into the gift box for Leon.
I hoped he would enjoy the present.
As I walked out of the house, I hailed a cab to the address my mom had sent me.
Because of the confidentiality of my research project, I had been erased from public records. Returning home had required special arrangements.
Years ago, I left the work I was passionate about to stay with Leon. Now, it was time to return to where I truly belonged.
Leon, from now on, I am no longer your rose.
I will bloom for myself.
