Chapter 1

1.

I finally let go the day Sam abandoned me for Chloe's birthday. Again.

He took her to the observatory to watch a meteor shower. I didn’t make a scene.

He bought her a four-figure Hermès scarf. I just smiled and told him, "Boston winters are cold. You should get her a matching hat."

He thought I was finally becoming "understanding."

He had no idea that I had already submitted my application to Doctors Without Borders.

He didn't know I was closing my credit cards, deleting my social media, and erasing every last digital trace of myself.

MSF has a robust system for protecting its volunteers overseas. For people like me, heading into high-risk zones, the organization arranges special travel documents and secure communication channels.

By the time he finally noticed something was wrong, I was already a ghost in the city we once called home.

…

When I got the call that my application was accepted, I could barely contain my excitement.

"You can count on me," I promised. "I'll be in Geneva on the third of next month, ready to go."

After hanging up, my eyes welled with tears. I subconsciously touched the silver necklace I always wore.

It was the last thing my parents left me.

They were both with Doctors Without Borders. My dream was always to follow in their footsteps.

But four years ago, I married Sam Thorne. He said that life was too dangerous, so I buried that dream deep inside.

Now, with nothing left to hold me back, it was time to reclaim it.

It's not like I didn't try to save us. I did.