"A kid like that would only drag him down. If you ask me, he should just disown her!"
"Someone as kind as Director Gilbert probably wouldn't. I heard he's holding a free clinic at the hospital this afternoon—says he wants to thank everyone for their support."
A middle-aged woman passing by spat onto my pants, then laughed and chatted with the others as they headed toward Dad's hospital.
My legs moved on their own, following them.
I knew I had no future left in this city. One last look wouldn't hurt. A farewell.
Maybe the bond between us really did end here.
The clinic was packed. Every face, every voice overflowed with gratitude for Dad.
I drifted in with the crowd, but the moment I reached the entrance, a slender palm shoved hard against my chest and pushed me back.
"Alice, are you a stray dog? What are you doing here? Director Gilbert doesn't want you!"
"Get lost."
I shoved Chloe's hand off me and turned to walk inside.
"Alice, what do you still have to be so arrogant about?!"
Chloe grabbed my wrist, her eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction.