They Have a Family Group Chat, I’m Not in It Chapter 09
Jenna came to pick me up.
She glanced at my expression and spoke softly, “Come on, the suppliers are waiting for us.”
I smiled. “Okay.”
Before I knew it, the year drew to an end. Hazel sorted out the accounts.
Over the past year, the company’s revenue had tripled.
She sent me my year-end bonus, and the figure was so generous that I checked it several times on my phone screen. “This much?”
She smiled and raised her glass. “You earned it. To you, Hazel.”
I smiled and clinked my glass against hers.
Lights twinkled in countless households outside the window, yet none of them felt like home to me.
Still, I felt utterly at peace.
Because I knew that I myself was my own home.
My phone buzzed.
It was a message from Mom: [Happy New Year, Hazel. I miss you.]
I stared at the screen for a few seconds, then wrote back: [Happy New Year.]
Then I put my phone down and clinked glasses with Jenna again.
When the fireworks exploded outside the window, Jenna was already passed out on the table.
I draped a coat over her shoulders and stood alone by the window.
My phone buzzed a few more times.
Mom sent a photo.
Four place settings on the dinner table. The caption said: [We saved you a seat.]
Mateo also sent a message: [Hazel, I’m sorry.]
I didn’t reply. Some wounds can never be mended with just a simple apology.
Yet the hatred in my heart had faded too.
Hating was too exhausting.
I just wanted to look forward.
The fireworks faded. I pulled the curtains shut and poured myself a glass of water.
I’ve learned to always put myself first.
It was not selfishness, but true clarity of mind.
Right before my phone screen went dark, I looked at that photo one more time.
Four place settings.
That seat had been empty for too long, and I had long outgrown that old life.