I looked at Selena expressionlessly, asking for her choice.
She stayed silent, eyes on her laptop. I didn't mind and found a place to sit, picking up the remote to watch something by myself.
It felt like there was something different about her, though I couldn't quite say what. She seemed like the same Selena I knew, yet not. But people were complicated and strange creatures, after all.
The movie ended. I was still trying to piece together the plot and make sense of the case when Selena interrupted my train of thought.
She tapped the last key, closed her laptop, and looked at me with a cold, composed gaze. "Hudson, do you really have no feelings for me at all?"
I knew I could no longer dodge or brush off this question.
"Maybe I did once, but now…" I sighed and didn't finish the sentence. I knew she would understand what I meant.
She was silent for a while, then forced a smile. "People say you can never force anyone to love you. If that's the case…" There was another pause. My heart leaped with excitement.
If Selena would just let me go without Zion's approval, I could buy a plane ticket back to Carzonia immediately.
It had been so long since I last saw Sylvia. I had no idea how she was doing or whether she had been taking care of herself while I was gone.
I felt elated, but what Selena said after that shattered my hopes.
"I think I'll choose to stay in the hospital," she said with a sly smile.
From her expression, it was obvious she was saying it just to spite me, and I became angry. "Why, Selena? Feelings can't be forced. There's no going back for us. Letting me leave would be better for both of us."
He pointed at me and scolded, "Hudson, what's your problem? What did that remote ever do to you? And this isn't even your stuff! What gives you the right to break it? Who do you think you are?"
I was already fuming with anger after Selena's little stunt, so his scolding only pushed me to my edge.
"I don't need anyone's permission. I'll break whatever I want. It's not like I can't afford to replace it."
Zion was shocked, though he quickly tried to regain his composure, looking at me in frustration.
I turned to Selena. There was no joy on her face. As if to further provoke me, she put on a triumphant smile like a proud victor.
"There's nothing to fear in taking your own life. If Selena can do it, then so can I." I said.
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