Goodbye, Everyone

Shane looked stunned.

I had never shut him out like this before.

He stood by the door with a frown. His voice was hoarse and strained as he said, “Indy, I’m sorry! Please don’t be mad. I didn’t mean to hurt you!”

I was about to say something when a sudden wail cut through the air.

It was Arielle.

Vera knelt beside her and gently patted her back. Her voice was soft and soothing. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy’s fine. Indy’s just a little upset, that’s all.”

Her tone was tender, as if she were soothing her daughter, yet every word was carefully placed to underscore that I was the one at fault.

Arielle’s lips trembled. Tears rolled down her cheeks as her cries grew louder.

Shane’s hand, which had instinctively reached for the door, fell to his side. His resolve was defeated by the sound of Arielle’s sobs.

Arielle’s crying brought my mother out of her room.

When she saw Vera’s and Arielle’s tear-stained faces, her brows immediately furrowed.

“Indy, this is exactly your problem!” she said. Her tone was gentle, yet it felt like a verdict. “You’re always so emotional. Vera just got back! Can’t you let her have some peace? You were like this when you were little, too! You were always making us worry. Vera was different. She was always so understanding from a young age.”

Her words landed softly, as if stating a simple fact, but they tore a fresh, stinging wound right through me.

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but nothing came out.

I realized that in her eyes, I had never been anything more than the difficult one.

Shane looked like he wanted to say something. His lips parted a few times, but each word died before it reached the air.

I came out and saw the hesitation in his gaze. There was a silent struggle over whom he should comfort first.

There was silence in the air.

Then, my younger brother, Jim Grayson, came bounding down the stairs. His face lit up the moment he saw Vera.

“Vera! You’re back!”

He brushed right past me and ran straight to her.

Vera reached out and ruffled his hair with a smile. Her voice was soft. “You’ve grown so much, Jim.”

It was only then that Jim noticed me. His smile faded a little.

“What are you doing here, Indy?”

There was a wariness in his voice.

“Indy, I think you should just leave Vera alone, okay? She just got back!”

I looked at him and could not help but smile.

That smile was laced with resignation and the bitter taste of self-mockery.

I was the real daughter, his actual sister, yet somehow, they were all protecting her.

All these years, I had been obedient and compliant. I had tried so hard.

I thought if I were understanding enough, they would finally love me.

I saw it clearly.

Being “understanding” only made it easier for them to neglect me without any guilt whatsoever.

I smiled and said softly, “Mom, I didn’t pick on her. I was just a little worked up after not seeing Shane for so long. Now that Vera’s back, she should move back here.”

The room fell silent.

Marie froze for a moment, as if she did not expect I would propose something like that.

Then, she looked from me to Vera and finally nodded. “Okay. I expect you both to get along from now on.”

Vera lowered her head and said softly, “Thank you, Mrs. Grayson.”

I caught the flicker of triumph in her eyes. It was the kind she thought no one would notice but me.

Watching her, a chill crept slowly through my chest.

They all thought I was being the sensible, understanding sister, but none of them knew what it really meant.

I had decided to leave.

I went back to my room and packed some of my clothes. I grabbed my bank card and phone.

When I stepped out, I feigned nonchalance.

“Mom, I’m heading out for a bit,” I said with a smile. “Since Vera’s finally home, I’ll go buy some nice food to celebrate.”

Marie’s expression immediately softened.

“Don’t be out too long, and don’t wander off.”

She turned to Vera. Her voice softened even more as she said, “Vera, what do you feel like eating? Indy can buy something for you.”

Vera smiled sweetly. “Anything’s fine. I’m fine with whatever Indy likes.”

The words sounded innocent, but they felt like a declaration of victory.

I did not respond. I simply turned and walked out the door.

Shane caught up to me.

“Indy, let me drive you.”

His voice was edged with concern.

I was about to respond when that familiar cry echoed behind us again.

It was Arielle.

Vera crouched beside her. She cooed softly, “Oh, honey, are you sad because Shane is leaving?”

Arielle’s wails intensified, thick with a cloying attachment.

Shane’s steps faltered.

I saw the hesitation warring within him.

He was telling himself he could still catch up with me as soon as Arielle calmed down.

He never knew that his hesitation, that single heartbeat of pause, was the moment I gave up on him completely.

“It’s fine, I can go on my own,”

I walked out the door and took a deep breath.

At that moment, I finally understood something. Everyone praised me for being understanding, but they never realized that I could be understanding enough to leave quietly without disturbing anyone at all.