Dropped the Deadweight, Hit the Road

I stared him down, zero fear in my eyes.

"Let's get something straight. This house? Rebuilt with my dad's death benefits. I make my own money. I've taken care of your mom for ten years. I don't need praise—but I deserve respect. This is how you thank me?"

He didn't have a comeback. Still had a sliver of shame left.

I turned, walked back to my room, pulled out the application form, and filled it in—slow and steady.

Mr. Randall, the village head, had stopped by recently pushing the Rural Teaching Support Program.

The first batch of teachers would get solid government support.

Back then, I only took the form to be polite.

Now? It felt like my ticket out.

***

Just as I finished the form, someone knocked.

Ivan. Holding a steaming bowl of buckwheat with egg.

I blinked, caught off guard. My face softened before I could stop it.

Maybe... maybe he still cared.

A flicker of hope sparked—unwanted, but there.

I reached for the bowl.

He yanked it back.

"What are you doing? It's for Nadia."

Then, like twisting a knife into my heart, he kept grumbling.

"You were way outta line today. I get that you're jealous, but don't talk to my mom like that again. And quit giving Nadia attitude. You scared her."

His words hit like an ice bath. That tiny hope? Gone.

I stared at him, blank.

"I don't think I did anything wrong. I'm serious about breaking off the engagement."

His face darkened.

"Cut the crap. What'll people say about me?"

Yeah. People would talk. And if I stuck around, I'd be the one they'd drag.

He paused, then tried to soften it.

"I got a supervisor gig at the state-run steel plant. Once we're married, you can chill. Let Nadia take your teaching job—she's got a degree, it fits better."

My chest clenched.

I'd gotten into college years ago.

But then he called from the military, practically begging.

"Elya, what about my mom if you leave? Please, wait for me. I'll treat you right."

Now he was back, all dressed for success—with another girl in tow.

And on top of that, he wanted me to give her my job?

I took a deep breath, swallowing the fury and heartbreak.

"No. If she's so capable, she can get her own job."

His tone sharpened.

"Elya! Nadia's been through a lot. I promised my comrade I'd take care of her—"

"So you'll throw me under the bus to play hero?" I cut in. "Ivan, I owe nothing to your buddy's widow. But you? You promised to take care of me. Have you?"

Guilt flickered in his eyes.

I didn't wait for more. Just slammed the door in his face.

***

Early the next morning, I threw my things together fast.

On my way out, I caught Ivan in the living room, gently dabbing ointment on Nadia's arms.

"I'll pick some wormwood and mugwort later," he said softly. "Sorry you had to share a bed with my mom. Country mosquitoes are the worst."

Nadia scrunched her nose.

"Does your new job come with housing? I really don't wanna stay out here. Too many bugs—I'm covered in bites."

He didn't even pause.

"I'll apply in a few days. Then I'll bring you to the city."

I stood in the doorway, stomach twisting.

When he spotted my bag, his voice snapped.

"You're not making breakfast? Where do you think you're going?"