Let Me Go, Mr. Hill!

Ryan said, “Don’t worry. I won’t knock on your door and intrude. I’ll wait for you near your house and we’ll count down to the new year together tonight.”

“I don’t need you to have a countdown with me. The reason I returned from Canberra is to celebrate the new year with my parents.”

Freya was so annoyed that she wanted to lash out at someone.

The other side of the phone went silent. After that, Ryan said resignedly, “I’ll look for a hotel and stay there for a night, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He backed down all of a sudden. Freya was not used to it. “Are you going to be alone tonight?”

“It’s okay. I didn’t think things through. Accompanying your parents is far more important.”

“Since you know that, why don’t you go celebrate New Year’s Eve with your parents?” Freya wished to persuade him to return. She would feel guilty if she left him alone when he came to look for her from a distant place. “Go back. I’ll pay for your plane tickets.”

“I’d admire you if you’re able to get tickets to Canberra at this hour.” Ryan laughed. He consoled her, saying, “Forget it. Actually, I don’t want to go back alone. At my age, my family will only talk about my marriage whenever they gather. It’s quite annoying.”

annoying it is,

and be with your family. I’ll search

ended, Freya heard her aunt

come down quickly. We’re going

it was accompanied by wine. Even Dani, a

New Year’s

she… go over and

over to him? It would seem like

caring for him either. Ryan simply seemed pitiful as he

being in a dilemma, Freya sent a message: [Have

[I’m in a taxi

searched the address. It was a hotel near her house.

Freya helped bring the leftover food to the kitchen. After hesitating for some time, she went to Mrs. Lynch’s side. “Mom, can you take care of Dani for me? I have a few friends from school who came back for the new year. They want to meet up.