Part 2The Broken Promise

I thought Hugh and I were dating.

We did everything other couples did.

We ate together, went on dates, hung out with friends where, during a game of Truth or Dare, we'd casually kiss and say "I love you" without a hint of irony.

Hugh would pick me up from work on rainy days.

He'd secretly hold my hand under the table at family dinners.

I never knew that the six months I thought were a budding romance were just a game of house to him.

"Cora?" My mom tapped on the car window, her face etched with concern.

I snapped back to reality. I saw my own tear-streaked face in the rearview mirror and quickly wiped it clean before getting out. "Mom!" I threw myself into her arms, hiding my face in her shoulder with a forced laugh. "I missed you."

She was holding a bag of groceries, and she took my arm, breathing a sigh of relief. "Honey, why were you just sitting in the car? You scared me. Didn't you see that news story about someone…"

I nodded along.

Suddenly, her tone shifted. "Oh, by the way, Cora… Hugh's blind date is coming over soon. Your uncle and aunt are taking this very seriously. I hear Hugh has been planning this for a long time. He said he was worried the girl might feel awkward, and having another girl there might help her relax."

She looked at me, her expression pained, hesitating. "I've been best friends with his mom for so many years, so when we go over today…"

I knew what she was trying to say. "It's okay, Mom," I said, forcing a smile. "Just break the ice, say nice things. I get it."

She gave me a look filled with pity.

Of course, she understood. A photo of Hugh and me sat on my bedside table. Every gift he’d ever given me was carefully stored away like a treasure. My notebooks were filled with his name, a testament to a love I couldn't hide. How could she not know?

We walked home in silence. As we opened the door, I said suddenly, "Dad's retiring next month. Let's move to Florida."

I looked at my mom's stunned face and tried to sound playful. "You've always said you wanted to retire there. I don't have any big dreams anyway. I can be a dance teacher, stay by your side. That's all I need."