Chapter 3

I drove to Jenny' s parents' house. Her mom let me in, her face etched with worry. Her dad was laid up on the couch, wincing with every small movement.

I helped him sit up and fitted the back brace on him. I showed her mom how to use the heating pads. They thanked me, their eyes full of genuine gratitude.

"You' re a good boy, Ethan," her dad said, his voice rough with pain.

I sat down in the armchair across from them. I had to do this. I had to tell them.

"I' m breaking the engagement," I said, the words feeling heavy in the quiet room. "I' m moving to California."

Her mom gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. Her dad just stared at me, his expression unreadable. I expected anger, disappointment. Instead, his eyes softened with a sad understanding.

"She must have done something to break your heart," he said, his voice low. "You' ve been a better son to us than our own."

He was talking about Ryan, Jenny' s brother. A reckless troublemaker who always resented me.

Her mom started to cry softly. I felt a pang of guilt, but it was overshadowed by the certainty of my decision.

Her dad struggled to sit up straighter. "Get the good stuff, Mary," he said to his wife. She disappeared into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of whiskey and three glasses.

We sat there for a long time, sharing a drink in silence. Before I left, they pressed a worn envelope into my hand.

"It' s not much," her mom said, her voice thick with tears. "But take it. For your new start."

I opened it in my truck. It was their savings. A few hundred dollars in crumpled bills. These good people, who had so little, were giving me everything they could. It solidified my resolve. I would not let them down. And I would not let Jenny ruin another life for me.