Seoul was her mother's homeland, a place she hadn't been since she was a teenager. Her family would be there, distant cousins and relatives she hadn't seen in years. Even her mother, who is finding solace in her roots after Hailey's father passed.
She doesn't know what to tell her yet. But it was so far away from here—so far from the pain and the memories and the reminders of David. Maybe it was exactly the fresh start she needed.
The pain was still raw, the ache in her chest barely dulled by the comfort of her friends. But as she looked at them, something firm took hold in her heart—a need to rebuild, to reclaim herself, far away from the shattered pieces of her life with David.
Emma pulled her into a tight hug, her voice soft but fierce. "You deserve so much better, Hailey. You deserve someone who'd never even think of hurting you like that."
A faint smile tugged at Hailey's lips, a flicker of gratitude breaking through her pain. "Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Sarah handed her a tissue, watching her with a protective gaze. "Seoul sounds perfect. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what you need—a clean break from all of this."
Hailey nodded, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over her. She could almost see herself walking the streets of Seoul, immersing herself in a new life, away from the hurt and betrayal that clung to this place.
She looked back at her friends, her heart swelling with love for the people who had stood by her, even as her world crumbled. "Promise me you'll visit once I'm settled?"
Emma laughed, wiping away a tear of her own. "Are you kidding? We'll be there in no time. And we expect updates. Lots of updates."
Sarah nodded. "Especially if you meet someone new."
The idea was too foreign to even consider, but Hailey managed a small smile. "One step at a time."
With the plan set in her heart, she took a shaky breath, letting the cold December air fill her lungs. She knew this journey wouldn't be easy, that the hurt wouldn't vanish overnight. But she was ready to leave, to start healing, to discover who she was beyond the life she'd so carefully crafted with someone who had never truly been hers.
The cab pulled away from the café, and Hailey leaned back, watching her friends disappear from view, their waves and supportive smiles lingering in her mind. She hugged her coat tightly around her, a protective gesture against the cold reality setting in. This wasn't a final goodbye—she'd see them again soon. But tonight, her thoughts circled back to her apartment, a space she had filled with dreams and plans for a future she'd never see.
The city blurred past, each glistening holiday light and cheerful face she glimpsed through the cab window feeling like a reminder of all that had unraveled. It had been her season to celebrate, her time to build something lasting. Instead, it had all come crashing down.
When the cab finally pulled up outside her building, Hailey stepped out and felt a rush of bitter irony. She'd chosen this apartment for the memories she'd thought she'd create here with David. Now, every step she took toward the entrance felt like she was walking through a memorial of a life that had vanished.
Inside, her apartment greeted her with the familiar scent of vanilla and cedar. She walked into the quiet, hollow space, taking in the Christmas tree, the twinkling lights they'd strung together, and David's jacket still draped over the back of the couch. She had been so careful, investing every ounce of her heart into crafting a life with him. But now, that life seemed like a distant dream, a fragile illusion shattered too easily.
The sound of her phone vibrating broke through her haze. She saw her uncle's name on the screen and hesitated, her thumb hovering before she finally answered.
"Hailey!" her uncle's warm voice greeted her, cheerful and oblivious. "I've been meaning to call. Your aunt and I were thinking you and David could come over for dinner soon. I know how busy you both are with the wedding, but it would be nice to catch up."
Hailey closed her eyes, gathering herself. Her heart ached, but she couldn't avoid the truth any longer. "Uncle, I…" She hesitated, feeling her voice crack before she steadied herself. "There isn't going to be a wedding. David and I… it's over. I called it off."
The words hung heavy between them, the silence on the line stretching painfully. Finally, her uncle spoke, his tone filled with quiet understanding. "Oh, Hailey… I'm so sorry. I had no idea."
"Neither did I," she whispered, her throat tightening. "I never expected this."
They spoke a little longer, her uncle's gentle words of comfort offering a measure of relief. He assured her she was welcome anytime, with or without David, and that he and her aunt would be there for whatever she needed. By the time they hung up, Hailey felt both raw and oddly lighter, as if finally saying the words out loud had lifted some of the weight pressing down on her.
She sat down on the edge of her bed, the silence of her apartment surrounding her like a cloak. Her eyes drifted over her half-packed suitcase in the corner. She'd packed it in a daze, not even sure what she'd thrown in. Her gaze lingered on her phone, and her thoughts drifted to Seoul. The idea had started as a whisper, a faint idea that had slowly grown louder as the night wore on.
Determined, she got up, her hands steady now as she began folding clothes into the suitcase with purpose. Her movements felt deliberate, as if each piece of clothing was part of a wall she was building around herself, a new beginning she was willing into existence.
Hours passed, and as dawn broke, she was nearly packed. The bedroom was stripped of anything deeply personal, a temporary farewell to the life she was leaving behind. She'd clear things out more formally later, maybe put things into storage, but for now, she was ready to let go.
The sound of a knock on her door startled her, and she found Emma and Sarah standing there, each holding a cup of coffee and offering her a look of unwavering support. They didn't ask many questions; they didn't need to. They knew her well enough to understand without words.
Together, they helped her with the last-minute packing, filling the quiet with shared memories, jokes, and encouragement. Hailey was grateful for their presence, for the way they eased her sorrow with familiar smiles and the comforting warmth of their friendship. They were the family she'd chosen, the friends who held her heart in their hands without question or expectation.
When they finished, Emma pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but fierce. "Seoul is exactly what you need. You're going to find a whole new world there. And we're just a flight away."
Sarah squeezed her hand. "And remember, you're choosing what's best for you. You're not running from anything."
A small smile tugged at Hailey's lips, warmth piercing the ache. "Thank you, both of you. I don't know if I'd have the strength to do this without you."
They helped her carry her things to her car, offering last hugs and promises to stay in touch. As she drove away, the sight of them standing there, waving her off with matching smiles, stayed in her mind long after they disappeared from view.