Years ago, I broke up with my penniless boyfriend, Raymond Trenton.

Now, he's the golden boy of the tech world, a billionaire everyone admires.

During a finance interview, the host asked him who he wanted to thank most.

With a cold smile, he said, "My ex-girlfriend. Her dumping me taught me money is the only thing that matters."

The internet exploded.

Within hours, strangers were digging into my life. Hackers even projected my secret Twitter account onto the giant screen.

Raymond sneered at my posts—

I shared links to five-dollar deals for ten loaves of bread; tutorials on how to snag free samples at the supermarket; tips on when bakeries start clearing out inventory at night, and which dumpsters they toss it into.

I wandered the streets, phone in hand, eating as I walked. "This stuff is all clean. A piece this size would normally cost around 40 dollars. Honestly, it tastes no different from those ten-dollar-for-five sponge cakes..."

"So this is what you left me for?" he laughed.

The audience roared.

"If Evelyn Oxley hadn't dumped Mr. Trenton, she'd be sipping champagne at Bulgari right now."

"She must regret it so much—serves her right!"

The host leaned in. "And how do you feel, seeing her tragic fate?"

Raymond pulled Ariana Gruber into his arms and said icily, "She deserved it."

The crowd went wild.

"The CEO and the starlet—my ultimate power couple!"

"Evelyn's just the villain who ended up dead. Hahaha!"

They weren't wrong. I really did die—miserably.

But in my twenty-five short years, I never hurt anyone.

The only "crime" I committed was leaving Raymond when he was poor—because I didn't want to drag him down.

Then, right there on the live broadcast, my Twitter feed updated.

The headline read: "Ten Farewells to the World."

The audience laughed louder, calling me dramatic, desperate for attention.

But they didn't know—

I'd already been dead for a while.

It was my best friend, Carolyn, who posted it.

And today... just happens to be my birthday.

My Twitter display name is "Revive Token."

"Hey, are we rolling?"

On screen, I wave brightly at the camera, grinning from ear to ear.

I'm dressed in a blue hospital gown, and the background is unmistakably a hospital room.

Carolyn's voice shakes with emotion. "We're rolling."

I clap my hands together, like I'm giving myself a cue, then take off my wig, revealing my bare, shiny head.

"As you can all see, I'm sick. My head's so bright right now, it could outshine a lightbulb.

"And I just broke up with my boyfriend of seven years. I did it, I dumped him!"

I lift my chin with pride.

"I'm making this video because I think everyone should leave something behind in this world.

"If nobody remembers you after you're gone, that's just too sad. No one visits on holidays, and even as a ghost, you'd still be a pitiful one."

Hands on my hips, I point playfully at the camera, trying to look fierce.

"Carolyn, I'll only let you forget me after a year, okay? If you move on too fast, I'll be mad."

If it's too slow, I'll be mad too.

My dearest friend, I hope you can pull yourself out of grief quickly after I'm gone.

That's why I started recording these videos—to help her get used to the idea of me leaving, little by little. To soften her sorrow.

Carolyn's hand starts to tremble as she holds the phone, her sobs growing louder.

"Hey, don't shake the camera! Otherwise, the video will be all blurry.

"You've got to capture my last bit of beauty in this world, nice and clear."

"I don't want to film anymore. You're not going to die, you'll get better, I know you will."

Off camera, Carolyn was crying hard, but she tried her best to steady the phone, though the video frame kept on shaking.

On screen, I swallow, my eyes turning red.

"If you don't like me talking this way, let's call it a recovery diary instead."

"Today is September 7, 2023. The weather outside is really nice."

The camera follows my finger as I point toward the window.

Right next to the hospital is an amusement park, and my room's window faces it perfectly. In the video, you can clearly hear the delighted shouts of children.

"Here's my first recovery diary. Today, I'm going to stop loving Raymond...

"It's only been four months since we broke up, and he's already dating someone new. What a jerk—he got over me so fast.

"But his new girlfriend is really pretty. I wish them happiness.

"I really envy her—she's healthy and gets to marry the person she wants.

"But it's okay. Next time around, I'm going to be happy, I promise!"

"Second Farewell."

I'm still wearing the same hospital gown, but it's obvious I've gotten even thinner since the last video.

This time, I'm wearing a bright red wig, styled into two braided pigtails.

"Today is September 24, 2023. Let me show you all what a hospital meal looks like."

The camera zooms in.

Three dishes and a soup—all made by Carolyn. As the camera pans over each plate, I announce the name of the dish with a little flourish.

"And now it's time for Evelyn's food vlog segment!"

I start eating, showing each dish to the camera before taking a bite. I eat with gusto, even more than usual.

Off camera, Carolyn is praising me, telling me how great I am.

I respond with an exaggerated expression, "It's all because Carol's cooking is too good. I could almost lick the plate clean!"

I pick up the plate and pretend I'm about to lick it.

Carolyn, exasperated, stops me. "No plate-licking allowed."

Then she starts tidying up, handing the phone over to me.

I turn to the camera and begin introducing my wig collection.

I'm lively and animated, looking perfectly fine. But as soon as Carolyn leaves, my face contorts in pain.

I scramble out of bed, clutching the trash can as I retch violently.

When I finally appear on camera again, my face is streaked with tears from vomiting.

"Don't get the wrong idea, guys. Carol's food really is delicious.

"It's just that the side effects of chemo keep getting worse. Lately, I'm always dizzy and nauseous.

"I can't let Carol's efforts go to waste. She'd be so worried if she saw this. She's been crying a lot lately, always watching over me...

"But I think I did something bad. They say people who waste food get punished in the afterlife..."

I stick out my tongue at the camera, trying to look a little more cheerful.

Back in bed, I pull out the protective amulet hidden under my clothes.

"Raymond, that old lady was a fraud. She said if I wore this amulet, I'd have a long life, free of illness."

"But now I'm dying. You shouldn't bother wearing yours, either. Though I bet you already threw it away..."

"Raymond, tomorrow I really won't love you anymore!"

"Today marks five months since we broke up."

They say it only takes twenty-one days to form a new habit.

But I've gone through five sets of twenty-one days, and I still can't get used to you not being here.

"Third Farewell."

Today is November 27, 2023.

The weather's turned cold, and snow has started to fall outside. The amusement park, usually bustling with life, is now empty.

I sneak out alone, phone in hand, and make my way over to the slide.

Holding up my phone, I talk as I walk.

"This might sound unbelievable, but I've never been to an amusement park in my whole life.

"I really want to go to Disney World—I've heard the fireworks there are beautiful. But it's so far away, and I guess I'll never get the chance..."

The slide is covered in a thick layer of snow. I pick up a branch lying nearby and start poking at the snow, when suddenly a little kid appears.

"Grown-ups like playing on slides too?"

I jump, turning the camera toward him. His eyes are wide and innocent.

"Can't adults play on slides?"

He tilts his head, thinking it over. "It's not like you can't. But why not wait until the snow stops?"

"If I wait for the snow to stop, it'll take too long. I don't think I'll make it.

"The snow won't melt until spring, and I just don't have that much time left."

The kid looks confused and keeps asking, "Why not? Spring comes pretty fast."

I force a smile, but I know my own time is running out.

After brushing all the snow off, I sit down on the slide and ask him to help me film.

It's a little kid's slide—so short, I reach the bottom in seconds. Just like the time I have left.

I cheer into the camera, as if I'm sliding across the wide open plains, trying to sound as excited as I can.

Only I know what I'm trying to make up for.

I went to the amusement park that Raymond never took me to, so I guess I can die without regrets.

The icy snow stings my skin.

That night, I came down with a cold.

When Carolyn finds out, she grabs me by the ear and scolds me for nearly two hours.

"Do you not realize you're a patient right now? Going out to play on the slide with a kid? Take this fever medicine, then get some sleep and sweat it out!"

I cough and laugh, accepting the medicine from her.

But as soon as she leaves, my smile fades. I set my phone on the table, propping it up, and gasp for breath.

My hands shake as I take a few breaths of oxygen, then I manage a weak smile at the camera.

"Sorry, lately I've been having more and more trouble breathing...

"Cough, cough! Honestly, I used to be really tough about the cold, I swear.

"When I get better, I'll go winter swimming!"

I even exchanged contacts with the kid—he has a phone watch.

He sent me a message, "Miss, when the snow melts next year, let's play on the slide together again."

I smile sadly and type back, "Sure thing, kid."

I hope I'll get the chance to do so.

"Fourth Farewell."

February 9, 2024—the day I finally came home.

"We're going home today!"

I'm sitting in the car, holding my phone, giddy with excitement as I film the scenery rushing past the window. Every now and then, I turn the camera on Carolyn sitting beside me.

But as we get ready to get out of the car, my smile falters.

I can't walk anymore.

Carolyn helps me into a wheelchair. I catch a glimpse of the sadness on her face, so I challenge her to a race.

I hand her my phone, then push myself forward in the wheelchair, rolling ahead.

I look back at her. "Come chase me! I've got four-wheel drive now—I'm way faster than your two legs."

Carolyn laughs and jogs after me, filming as she goes. I reach the apartment first.

I glare at her, pretending to be annoyed. "Carolyn, if you're going to let me win, at least make it look convincing! You actually blamed altitude sickness for not being able to run? That's ridiculous."

She just smiles and stays quiet.

We're nearly broke. That night, two bowls of pasta with eggs were the best meal we could afford.

Outside, fireworks kept popping. We huddle together under the lamp, talking late into the night.

"Carol, do you remember the first time we met?"

"Of course. You had the biggest runny nose—I swear, you were the messiest kid at the orphanage!" She laughs.

"Why do you only remember that? What about my heroic rescue? Why don't you ever mention that?"

"You've got some nerve! Raymond was just crouching down to pick something up. You insisted he was trying to lift my skirt. Then you two started fighting, and both got punished—no dinner for either of you."

Thinking about meeting Raymond for the first time, my mind drifts.

Nineteen years. It's hard to believe we've known each other that long.

Just then, the clock strikes midnight.

A strange feeling comes over me. I look at Carolyn for a long time before I finally say, "This year marks our 20th anniversary."

"That's right, Eve. We still have so many more sets of 20 years ahead. You have to stay with me."

"Okay..."

Suddenly, my eyelids grow heavy.

My head slowly leans onto her shoulder.

I close my eyes...

"Fifth Farewell."

February 13, 2024.

After three days and nights of emergency care, I finally woke up.

Seeing Carolyn's exhausted face, I broke down completely.

I reached out and yanked the IV needle from my arm. Blood spattered across the sheets, leaving a stark, vivid stain on the crisp white fabric.

I screamed at Carolyn, "Why did you save me? Why am I still alive? Just let me die!"

She frantically pressed the call button for help.

I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at the camera. My fingers raked wildly across my own face, and soon, blood was smeared everywhere.

Carolyn tried to stop me, but the closer she got, the more frantic I became.

"Get out! I want you to leave! Go away!"

Then came the violent retching—I vomited all over myself.

Carolyn starts to cry. "Eve, weren't you always the strong one?

"You said you wanted to keep filming your recovery, all the way until the day you were truly healed."

"Get out!" My reply was a guttural, desperate scream.

She could only stand there, sobbing, as the doctors came in and gave me a sedative.

One of them said gently, "Family members need to be patient. The pain your loved one endures every day is beyond what we can imagine. Sometimes, it's inevitable for their spirit to break."

When I finally calmed down, I looked up in despair, my eyes rimmed red. "Carol..."

"Evelyn." She came over, ignoring the mess and filth, and wrapped me tightly in her arms.

My hands shook as I hugged her back, chin pressed against her shoulder, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you...

"I don't want to be your burden, holding you back all the time. When I woke up, I was still in a daze, thinking I was normal again, but the pain reminded me—I'm sick...

"I'm sick... What am I supposed to do... I'm sick, Carol..."

I sobbed until I couldn't breathe.

Carolyn just held me tighter. "It's okay, Eve. It's okay. You're going to get through this. You will...

"You're... you're my little sunshine, Evelyn..."

"Sixth Farewell."

March 19, 2024.

Suddenly, I can stand up again.

My body has improved so much, and Carolyn is over the moon.

But when I catch the doctor's hesitant expression, I know what it means—it's just the last flicker before the flame goes out.

I roll up my sleeve. My arm is covered in bruises and purple marks, crisscrossed with needle scars.

"Carol, look at me. I'm about to turn into a pincushion. It hurts so much."

She snorts, "Now you're complaining? Last night you were full of energy, staying up late to snag those tickets."

I pouted, "It's my ex's first big interview since his company rose. Of course, I had to go support him.

"It's been ages. I just want to see what his business looks like now."

Carolyn's playful smile fades, replaced by a serious look.

After a moment, she pokes me. "Back then, you broke up with him because his company had just started, and you didn't want to drag him down. If he still loves you now, would you ask him for help?"

"No way!" I shoot back, firm and unwavering.

"But his company's worth millions now. Helping pay for your treatment would be nothing to him."

"That doesn't matter! I won't go to him, and you're not allowed to either!"

"But..."

"No buts!" I cut her off, pulling my sleeve down to hide the ugly marks.

"I'm fine now. He and I—our paths split a long time ago. In his eyes, I'm the villain who abandoned him when he was at his lowest.

"If, someday... Anyway, if hating me helps him be happier, then let him hate me. Loving me... loving me would only bring him pain."

Seeing the tears welling in Carolyn's eyes, I quickly grab her hand and tease, "Come on, we've seen enough water at the aquarium today. No need for you to add more.

"Don't worry, a little cancer can't beat me!

"We still have videos to film—right up to the day I'm healed. Then we'll go live and sell stuff together, make a fortune!

"By then, Raymond, Desmond—none of them will be good enough for me!"

My over-the-top antics finally coax a laugh out of Carolyn, her tears vanishing.

Seeing her smile, I feel relieved too.

"Let's go! We finally made it out today, so let's not waste any more time. The aquarium's going to close soon..."

"Ah!"

I turn to talk to Carolyn while walking backward, and suddenly bump right into someone's chest.

Without looking up, I bow and apologize.

Over my head, I hear a cold, familiar chuckle.

I snap my head up, and when I see his face, I stumble back in shock. Carolyn recognizes him, too.

"Raymond?"

It's been more than a year, but success looks good on him—Raymond seems like a different person now.

Still, after all these years, we recognize each other instantly.

"Evelyn?" His striking eyes sweep over me from head to toe.

When he sees how worn out I look, his face first registers surprise, then shifts to a mocking smirk as something clicks.

He opens his mouth to say something, but I react first—spinning around and bolting away.

Carolyn chases after me, phone in hand, filming our frantic escape.

Our ragged breaths and the rush of wind fill the air. The shaky footage shows just how fast we're running.

Through the howl of the wind, I can barely make out Raymond shouting my name.

"Evelyn! Am I really that unbearable to you?"