"Here's to Nurse Cali starting a new life abroad," Izzy said, raising his glass of champagne. Everyone else followed suit.

"Thanks, everyone," I replied, feeling grateful as I looked around at Dessa, Nick, Jana and Izzy. Bambi is also here with us, but he's inside, exhausted and already in bed after a full day of swimming.

Today was really fun. Izzy went all out for my goodbye party, surprising me by renting a yacht for dinner. I thought we were just having a beach party, but this was even better.

As Jana and Izzy danced, I got lost in the beauty of the sky. It made me realize that sometimes you just need to take a break and relax. I had been thinking about going on vacation, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

While sipping champagne, I noticed Dessa and Nick talking on the yacht's deck and they were close enough for me to hear them.

"How's the family business doing?" Dessa asked.

"The stocks took a hit due to an unexpected incident within my father's company. Father mentioned the necessity to seal a business deal, so the family decided to do it through an engagement. They preferred to keep it within the family, hence Mino taking charge." Nick explained.

"Is an engagement really necessary? How much more does your family need? Maybe I can help," Dessa offered, wanting to assist Nick.

"Help? Are you implying you'd marry into my family? That's quite the proposal," Nick chuckled.

"I have no interest in becoming your sister-in-law. What I mean is, I could ask my father for support. After all, we're family friends."

"I doubt my father would approve. He's not one to accept help from close friends. He prefers to handle things his own way, if possible," Nick explained.

"At the expense of Mino's happiness?" Dessa asked.

Dessa's question hung in the air, but Nick simply shrugged, "That's just the way things are."

Looking back, I sometimes regret what I did to Mino. But the idea of him hurting his family because of me doesn't sit right with me. Seeing relationships fall apart has made me realize how much pain they can bring and I don't want to be part of that. I don't want to cause trouble for his family just because he cares about me.

While lost in my thoughts, the sky suddenly burst with colors. "Look, fireworks!" Izzy cheered. We all got up and rushed to the deck to watch.

"Let's snap a picture!" Izzy suggested, gesturing for a group selfie. "Say cheese!" he prompted, and as the photo was taken, the sky kept sparkling with light.

After the farewell party thrown by Izzy, life went back to normal, and we resumed our work routines. I still had a few tasks to wrap up at the office. That week also brought some welcome news – Nurse Doree had arrived as my replacement!

"Before administering medication to the staff, remember the protocol. Ask them first, then administer the medication, and lastly, have them sign in here with their name and department. Understand?" I instructed her. Doree nodded eagerly.

"Got it, Nurse Cali! Thanks. I'll make sure to follow that." Doree replied.

Since she was new, I kept an eye on her work. But, despite being a fresh graduate, she was doing well and everyone already liked her. Perhaps, nobody would miss me after all.

Time flew by quickly, and before I knew it, my last day at work had arrived. The training with Nurse Doree went well, and she quickly grasped the tasks that needed to be done in the clinic.

"Thank you for everything, Nurse Cali. I've learned so much from you," she said, handing me a farewell gift. It was such a kind gesture from her.

"You didn't have to," I told her as I accepted it. "But, thank you!"

During lunch, Jana, Doree, Dessa, and I went to the pantry. They blindfolded me, and there the company threw a surprise party for me. I wasn't expecting it, but I really appreciated the gesture. It was something I hadn't experienced at my previous job.

In my previous job, everyone seemed to add to my stress, but here, people have shown me love and care in a short time. It goes to show that it's not about how long you've known people, but how they make you feel, no matter how much time you've spent together.

These past four months I have been here have been truly meaningful, and if you're wondering whether I'll miss being here, I definitely will.

Later that day, Dessa and Jana surprised me with a party at home. Knowing they wouldn't see me at work anymore, they wanted to spend our remaining time together today. We even had a video chat with Izzy, who's now in Dubai.

We enjoyed a few drinks while chatting with Izzy, and seeing him on the screen made it feel like we were all still together.

Izzy left a month ago, which made us all sad. He promised to return for Jana's wedding next year. Initially, I couldn't grasp his emotions, but as my flight day approaches, I'm beginning to understand.

As the alcohol kicked in, Izzy shared a story about a guy he met at a bar in Dubai who flirted with him, only to discover the guy was engaged.

"He's not married yet though, so I might go for it. What do you think?" Izzy asked playfully as he sipped his beer.

"You should go for it. After all, he's not married," Jana encouraged him.

"You think so, bestie?" Izzy asked Jana and she nodded, showing her support for his ex.

"Bestie? Like when did you become best friends?" I wondered aloud. "Anyway, do you really like him?" I asked.

"Sort of. He's cute though," he replied, sounding like a teenager in love.

"Then go for it, chase him," I told him as I took a sip of my beer. Then the conversation turned to me.

"What about you, Cali? If Mino's engagement were to end, would you give him another chance?" Dessa asked.

Feeling unsure, I took a sip of my beer and thought for a moment. "It's hard to say. Right now, I'm not sure. Maybe yes, maybe no," I replied.

"But, you like him still, yeah? So what are the chances of you two getting back together if that happens?"

"I don't know, maybe as likely as the alcohol content in this drink? Like 3%?" I joked, eyeing the beer in my hand.

"Maybe you should switch to something stronger then," Izzy suggested, with a playful smile.

"Pass me the hard stuff then," I replied, joining in the fun. Jana then handed me the bottle of rubbing alcohol. "I can't drink that!" I exclaimed, tossing the bottle away, and we all shared a laugh.

After a bit, Izzy said he had to go because he had work the next day so he hang up. Meanwhile, Dessa had passed out on the couch, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol, and Jana had gone back to her apartment.

Even though I was tired, I kept drinking. Today was so much fun, and it reminded me that sometimes you just have to enjoy the time with your friends while you can.

As I held onto my beer, I looked around the house, remembering when I first moved in. The walls used to be bright pink, but I later painted them a taupe, dull yet calming. It somehow reflects how I felt inside back then—I was like a calm storm.

This house holds many memories, both good and bad. Although I'll miss it, I know my journey was leading me elsewhere.

Just as I decided to get up and clean the house, Dessa began talking in her sleep.

"Cali..." she mumbled.

"Yes?" I responded, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm gonna do you a favor, but please don't get mad at me," she said, still sounding sleepy.

"Huh? What favor?" I asked.

But before I could hear her answer, the alcohol hit me hard. I had passed out.

The next day, Dessa was nowhere to be found. I assumed she might have left early for work.

I tried to remember what happened last night, but I couldn't. All I knew was that we were all wasted.

Seeing the floor littered with beer cans, I decided to clean up immediately. After all, I still had some packing to do and I couldn't afford to waste any time.

***

Life is undoubtedly full of surprises, but one constant remains — it's unpredictable. Sometimes you're happy, sometimes you're sad, and sometimes you just want to escape.

As I sat in the airport lobby, watching the crowd, I had a realization about those who choose to run away.

People runaway out of fear — fear of responsibilities, fear of accountability, fear of facing the truth.

Seven years ago, I ran away. I ran away because I was scared. I was so scared of the truth that I shut down from people, from everything. It took me seven years to realize that the choices I made were wrong. I should've done something. I should've done more. I should've known better. But it's all in the past and I don't live there anymore. Least I can do is move forward.

But, unlike seven years ago, today I understand that I'm not running away — I'm simply stepping back. I'm distancing myself from the things that cause me pain, giving myself room to heal. I realize that by stepping back, I can always move forward when I'm ready to return. It might take some time, but I know I'll get there. And when I do, the first person who will be proud of me is none other than myself.

The airport gets busier with a lot of people coming and going. While Jana and Dessa asked if they could come with me, I said no as I didn't want to get emotional before leaving. I just promised to call them once I arrived.

Today isn't just my flight day but also the day Mino is getting married. I was also surprised when Dessa told me about it. Out of all the dates, why today? But truth to be told, there's a tiny part of me that secretly wishes he'll show up at the airport to stop me, just like in the movies. It's a bittersweet thought that makes me laugh and feel sad simultaneously. Sometimes, I can be quite hopeless. But deep down, there's still a flicker of hope.

I looked around, hoping to see him, but he wasn't there. I laughed at myself, thinking, What are you thinking, Cali? Then, when the airport announcer called our flight number for check-in, it hit me that nobody was coming after me.

I sighed heavily as I carried my luggage for inspection. Though I wanted to look back, I knew it wouldn't change anything.

"I guess I'm on my own now," I said and leave.