---- Chapter 10 "Come on, come on-food's getting cold. What's so fascinating about two empty flowerpots anyway?" I pushed myself up from the wall, brushed the dust from my palms, and followed her inside. Rhyn took a bite of food, then nodded toward my passport sitting on the edge of the coffee table. "You're really going, huh? Not coming back this time?" I gave a quiet nod, sipping my beer without a word. I thought about saying something, but the words didn't seem to exist. She nodded too. "Mindy, we've known each other since we were kids. You've had a rough life, sure- but at least your parents gave you a few years of something like a normal childhood. I didn't even get that. I grew up following my mom around ---- nightclubs, never even knew who my real dad was. If it wasn't for this face of mine, I don't know how I would've survived." She paused, her voice firmer now. "So don't look back. Whatever happens, don't you dare look back. Aman like Charles... he's not worth it." I finished the last of my beer, crushed the can flat in my hand, and dropped it onto the table. "T won't," I said. "Not this time." She seemed satisfied with that answer. Setting down her fork, she scooted over and turned my shoulders toward her, like she was straightening out something crooked. "Mindy, don't you come back unless you've made something of yourself. I'll be waiting for you to come home and keep me in luxury." A tear slipped down my cheek. It tasted bitter. ---- I hadn't taken a single cent from Charles. The money for the trip came from my mother's life insurance all those years ago. And I couldn't take Rhyn with me. I felt bad because in so many ways, she had it worse than I did. So I left the apartment to her. When everything was finally in order-paperwork done, passport ready-I took a rare trip far outside the city. It had always been a childhood dream of mine to see the ocean. But I'd never left Kingsford, never stepped beyond its tight borders. I had no idea just how vast the sea could be. I stood on a black rock, letting the sea breeze unravel my hair. For the first time, I understood what freedom tasted like. ---- It was damp, salty, and cool. But before I could hold on to that feeling, my phone started ringing.