Chapter 1

Growing up in New York, I decided to move to Texas for Ashley, and my parents completely cut me off.

"That girl is an orphan, what could she possibly offer you? You're just setting yourself up for a lifetime of misery! If you leave now, don't you dare come back!"

Five years. I watched Ashley steadily climb to become one of Texas's top psychologists, and she eventually gave me the home she promised.

As Christmas approached, I planned to take her back to meet my parents. But right before boarding, she abandoned me again for a male patient suffering from severe depression.

She let go of my hand, her eyes fractured.

"Jackson, he's just like I was back then... helpless and alone. If I don't go, he really will kill himself! I'm so sorry, just this once. I'll take the very next flight to find you..."

She turned and ran towards the exit, without a second thought.

I stood there, staring at the two tickets to New York in my hand.

It turned out she saved everyone who needed saving, but time and again, she left me behind.

Slowly, I tore up her ticket.

Then, I walked towards security alone, switching off my phone.

Ashley didn't know that some journeys home, once missed, are gone forever.