chapter 3

The scenery on the way was truly something else. Since we left early, the roads got less crowded as we neared our destination.

Some parts were so remote, it felt like we were the only ones around. It was just this long, winding road, an endless prairie, and that huge, blue sky in the far-off distance.

"Elowen, when we're old, let's retire here. The air is so fresh, and the scenery is just amazing. Spending the rest of our lives here would be worth it," he said.

"Sure," I replied, not really paying attention as I stared at the navigation on my phone.

"Then we'll have our son buy us a piece of land here, maybe on the outskirts near the city. That way, if he needs us, we can hop on a plane and be with him in no time."

I popped the top off a can of Coke and held it to his lips. "You're really thinking ahead," I said. "Take a sip."

Jasper gave me this happy look, like those peaceful days were just around the corner.

But I knew they'd never happen.

The road got bumpy in the middle. As I took a sip of my Coke, the jolt made me choke on it. I coughed a few times, and then Jasper handed me a tissue.

"Be careful. Are you okay?" Jasper asked.

I took the tissue and said, "I'm fine. It's just a pity about this drink. I've only had a few sips, and now it's all messed up."

Jasper smiled, "I don't mind having it from you."

I rolled down the window and tilted the Coke can, letting the drink pour out into the howling wind.

"Why did you throw it away? I've already said I don't mind," he said.

"No way. I do mind," I retorted.

And with that, I tossed the can into the grass by the side of the road.

I watched the red can disappear into the lawn before slowly rolling up the window.

"Oops, dropped it. Bad for littering," I said.

Jasper ruffled my hair, smiling indulgently.

Ten minutes later, as we were speeding towards Estana, our SUV suddenly started swerving all over the place. The front of the car was swaying from side to side, and it looked like we were about to go off the road. Finally, hitting a rough patch, it careened onto the lawn.

The car flipped in the air and landed on its front end. Within minutes, black smoke started pouring out of it.

I shook my head hard and managed to crawl out of the passenger seat. Half of my body was covered in blood.

Even though I was mentally prepared, I still broke an arm and a leg. I figured he must be in a worse state.

Ignoring the smoke from the engine, I grabbed a crowbar from the trunk and pried open the deformed door.

Jasper was in a bad way. I wasn't sure if he was going to make it.

He was unconscious, his face covered in blood.

I pried his legs apart and jabbed the sharp end of the crowbar right in the crotch.

Jasper let out a muffled groan but didn't wake up.

Thank goodness he didn't. I didn't want to kill him.

My last memory was dragging him towards the road. Then there was a huge explosion, a wave of heat, and everything went black.

I spent two days in the ICU and was then moved to a regular ward. It took me a full half-month to come to.

I knew I was badly hurt. At the moment of the accident, even though he was out of it, he instinctively protected himself, leaving the passenger seat, where I was sitting, exposed to the greater danger.

But I still gritted my teeth and carried out my perfect plan. The outcome was exactly what I'd dreamed of.

When I woke up, no one noticed at first.

I turned my head and saw Jasper lying on another bed, just staring blankly at the ceiling, not blinking for ages.

"Jasper," I called out.

I had to say it a few times before he slowly turned to look at me.

"Elowen, you're awake," he said.

"Jasper, how are you?" I asked.

Jasper forced a smile, though it was a bit bitter. "Don't worry. I'm fine."

How could he be fine?