Chapter 9 Departure
I lived in a southern city where it was warm year-round, perfect for outdoor activities. The people were always cheerful and energetic.
The climate also shaped the local cuisine, with unique produce leading to delicious dishes. There were subtropical fruits you wouldn't find elsewhere in the country.
I applied to the Northern Institute of the Arts, about 2,000 miles away in the cold north. The climate and eating habits there were very different from my hometown.
But the harsh northern climate had produced many famous artists, making the Northern Institute of the Arts a dream for art students.
Ronan helped me discover my love for art, which influenced my college choice. Helen, however, was against it. She worried about the cold, the food, and me getting homesick. She even suggested I reconsider.
Helen's concerns were valid, but I was an adult now, ready to explore the world on my own.
Before leaving, I had one more thing to do.
I remembered my sixteenth birthday when Daniel gave me four tiger figurines, saying, "Jane, keep these for my future girlfriend. When I find her, you can give them back."
I thought it was a subtle confession, but two years passed, and now Daniel had a girlfriend. It was time to return the figurines.
I packed them in my suitcase, planning to give them back to Daniel before I left.
On the day of my departure, I went to Daniel's house early in the morning. His mom, Emma, answered the door.
I greeted her, "Mrs. Pitt, I'm leaving for school today and wanted to return something to Daniel before I go."
Emma looked surprised and said, "Jane, why are you still here? Daniel left for National Capital University with Zoe this morning. They should be at the airport lounge by now."
My brows furrowed. 'That damn Daniel, leaving without a word!'
I had Ronan drive me to the airport immediately.
I needed to return the tiger figurines to Daniel. If I was going to move on, I couldn't leave anything behind.
We seemed to be running late. When I got to the lounge, there were only a few passengers, and no sign of Daniel. I glanced at the security checkpoint, but it was empty. Just as I was about to give up, Ronan patted my arm. Following his gaze, I saw Daniel and Zoe holding hands.
I ran up to Daniel, who looked surprised. "Jane, what are you doing here?"
Zoe sensed something and held his hand tighter, not letting him go.
Ronan stepped in and gently said to Zoe, "Please give them a moment. It won't interfere with your relationship."
Zoe bit her lip and let go.
Daniel jogged over. "Jane, what are you doing here?"
I hesitated, looking at his familiar face, lost for words. Ronan's cough reminded me.
I took the four tiger figurines out of my suitcase and handed them to Daniel. "You asked me to keep these for your future girlfriend. Now that you have one, it's time to return them."
Daniel looked stunned, like he had forgotten about the figurines.
Zoe walked up, took the figurines, and said, "Thank you! We should get going."
Daniel snapped out of it, took the figurines from Zoe, and caressed them silently.
I had no idea what he was thinking. Was he reminiscing about our years together?
I couldn't tell.
Daniel eventually left, but I would never forget his whispered words before he disappeared. "Jane, sometimes I think you're like a little tiger, always pissed off."
On my flight to the Northern Institute of the Arts, tears silently soaked my dress.
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