Thanks for Stepping Aside

Rolf had always been like this. Whenever Miranda had a flare-up, he would take it out on me.

Maybe he wasn't exactly taking it out on me. Maybe he just couldn't stand seeing me happy when Miranda wasn't. If she wasn't doing well, then why should I?

But I didn't owe her anything. After Rolf and I got together, I learned about this childhood friend he cared about so much. I even hugged him gently and promised I'd be good to her.

But Miranda remained a barrier between us. Whenever we got close, she pushed us apart.

I even confronted Rolf and told him that if he really couldn't let go of her and wanted to stay by her side, I'd step back. After all, I had my pride; I wasn't going to be the third wheel.

But Rolf got angry and pointed at me, saying I insulted him.

"What do you think I am? Miranda and I are just friends. She's sick right now; what's wrong with me taking care of her?

"Don't you have any friends? Or are you just so bitter?

"Do you think everyone's as petty as you?"

Honestly, I felt like I had done everything I could, and I had never caused trouble with Miranda.

But to Rolf, I was still the selfish one.

I lifted my glass again and swallowed the drink, mixed with tears.

Bottoms up, one after another. My head started spinning, and I lost track of a lot of things.

At last, I felt alive again, like I was finally my own person.

That night, under the flashing neon lights of the bar, I didn't go home for the first time in ages. I partied with friends all night and crashed hard in a hotel.

Rolf found out I hadn't come home by noon the next day and called me nonstop.

"Are you done throwing your tantrum? So we didn't get the certificate. Was it really necessary to stay out all night for that?

"I've told you a million times, Miranda and I are just friends. She's sick, and her family is so far away. If I don't take care of her, who else will? Can't you have some sympathy?"

My head was pounding from the hangover, and Rolf kept nagging like a mosquito. I got irritated and didn't answer.

Perhaps sensing his tone was too harsh, he softened and sounded almost like he was begging.

"I'm sorry I left you at City Hall yesterday. Can you forgive me? How about I take you out to dinner and a movie to make up for it tonight?"

That was the kind of thing I dreamed about—us spending a normal, romantic night like any other couple.

But with Rolf, I only got those rewards after he messed up.

I choked out, "Okay."

Rolf's voice brightened. "Great. I'll pick you up tonight."

After hanging up, I straightened my clothes and headed to work.

I'd taken the morning off but had to be back in the afternoon. That was the reality of being an adult—I had to bury all my feelings during the daytime because life goes on.

Walking into the office, I put on a smile again. My coworkers wisely didn't ask questions.

But my boss called me into his office.

"We've decided to send someone overseas to handle international business. I've always believed in you. You can't fail at both love and career."

He must have heard about yesterday and was trying to be gentle.

If it were before, I'd have sulked and answered unhappily, "Rolf needs me; I can't just leave him. If I do, I'd lose all hope."