---- Chapter 6 At long last, I returned to my childhood home. Years had passed, but the old house where my mother and I once lived still looked exactly as it had in my memory. Time had barely touched it, just as the town. itself seemed frozen in place. When the neighbor saw me, her face lit up with surprise and joy. "Summer!" she said warmly, clasping my hands. " You've grown into such a beautiful, poised woman. I'm so happy for you. You were the first one from our little town to make it into a top university. Your mother must be so proud of you. She gave everything to raise you right." I lowered my head. It was true-before I left, even I believed I was destined for a brilliant future. I swore I would take care of my mother, give her a better life. But fate had its own plan. I stayed behind for Ricky ---- and devoted myself completely to him, believing it was love. And in doing so, I lost my youth. And eventually... I lost my mother. When my old neighbor learned my mother had passed, her expression dimmed with sorrow. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. "T feel like I'm the one who killed her," I whispered. " If she hadn't found out my fiancé was cheating... if she hadn't been in the car with me that day... maybe she'd still be alive. Maybe she'd be happy now." My old neighbor pulled me into her arms. "Your mother knew you weren't happy," she said gently. "She called me once, crying. Said she'd failed you. Said it was her fault you were trapped. Summer, no mother doesn't love her child. Your mom would never blame you. She just wanted you to be happy." I broke down in her arms and sobbed until I couldn't cry anymore. ---- After that, I felt lighter and calmer somehow. Yes... That's what Mom would have wanted-for me to live. And now, at last, I was free-both physically and emotionally. I wouldn't be tangled up with Ricky anymore. Theld a quiet funeral for my mother. Afterward, I made a decision: I would stay here, in the place where my life had begun. With my education, I found work as a local teacher. The days were simple and peaceful. And they finally felt like mine. But one day, Ricky showed up. Drunk, unshaven, and unsteady on his feet, he stood in front of me. I looked down, trying to avoid him, but he stepped forward and blocked my path. His eyes were red-rimmed, full of regret and desperation. ---- "Summer," he choked out. "I've missed you so much." "Ricky," I said, "our agreement is over. You and I have nothing to do with each other anymore." I looked at him like I would a stranger. He shook his head frantically and pulled me toward him. "No. I don't accept that. I know the truth. You didn't stay just because of that deal with my mother. You stayed because you loved me. I was wrong. I shouldn't have pushed you away. "These past few months without you... I've been losing my mind. Please, give me another chance. I can't live without you. "Twas so alone before I met you. Everyone had given up on me. But then you came, and I thought-finally, there's someone who loves me. Someone I can come home to. "So when I saw that agreement between you and my mother... I broke. I couldn't stand the thought that Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!