---- been able to let me go. It's only a matter of time before we're back together." My heart felt like it was steeped in bitter water, each word soaking deeper than the last. To top it all off, she sent one last image- Oliver stood in the center, grinning brightly, while she and Mike kissed either side of his face. A flawless picture of a "perfect family". I stared at the screen, lips twitching into a bitter, self- mocking smile. Then my fingers flew over the keyboard and typed just two words. "Alright then." I took a deep breath and dialed my father's number. The line connected, and his familiar voice came through. "Hello?" I fought back the sting behind my nose and tried to ---- keep my voice calm. "Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm going to take Melanie and settle abroad. We'll leave in a few days." There was a pause on the other end, then a burst of joy. "Really? But I heard Mike has just returned to the country- didn't your little family finally reunite? Is he okay with you leaving?" Hearing that, my eyes reddened. I let out a cold, bitter laugh. "He couldn't be more thrilled."