Chapter 3

Harper's POV

Five days later, they returned from the Bahamas with golden tans and arms full of shopping bags. Mom brought me a shell bracelet, Dad handed me a "Bahamas" refrigerator magnet, while Madison and Ryan showed off their new jewelry and watches.

"You did a nice job cleaning the house, Harper." Mom nodded approvingly, like I was just a competent housekeeper.

They quickly settled back into normal life, as if those five days of abandonment had never happened. But I was different. That feeling of complete rejection spread through me like poison, keeping me awake at night and stealing my appetite. I knew if this continued, I'd completely break down.

Finally, on a drizzly Monday afternoon, I worked up the courage to walk into Ohio State's Mental Health Center.

"I need help," I whispered to the receptionist.

An hour later, I sat in Dr. Martinez's office.

"Harper, tell me - what made you decide to come here?" Dr. Martinez asked gently.

I began sharing those heartbreaking experiences. Words poured out like a broken dam, and I started crying as I spoke.

"I don't know what I did wrong. I've tried so hard, but they just don't love me."

Dr. Martinez handed me tissues and waited quietly for me to calm down.

"Harper, your pain is real, and you deserve to be seen and loved. You haven't done anything wrong." Her words felt like warm sunshine. "Would you be interested in some volunteer work? Helping others often helps us discover our own worth."

I nodded through my tears.

Two days later, I started volunteering at the Mental Health Center.

That evening, while organizing counseling files, I heard urgent footsteps in the hallway.

"Harper, can you help?" Dr. Martinez hurried over. "We have a freshman with suicidal ideation - we need more hands."

I followed her quickly into the crisis intervention room. A tiny girl sat curled in the corner, hugging her knees, eyes red and swollen, completely balled up.

"This is Jessica. She just ended an abusive relationship and feels hopeless. She won't talk to adults much - maybe you could try."

Looking at Jessica, I suddenly remembered myself crying in that empty house. I slowly approached and sat on the floor beside her.

"Hi, I'm Harper," I said softly.

Jessica glanced up, then looked down again.

"I know what loneliness feels like," I continued. "I know that feeling of thinking you're not worth loving. But you know what? You're not alone. We're all here, and we all care about you."

"Nobody cares about me," Jessica finally spoke, her voice hoarse. "He was right - I'm just worthless."

"No," I said firmly. "He was WRONG. Nobody has the right to treat you that way. You deserve to be treated gently, with respect, with love."

We talked for two hours. I told her my story, told her I'd also felt unwanted. We cried together and believed tomorrow could be better.

Finally, Jessica agreed to accept counseling, agreed to give herself a chance.

When she left, she hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Harper. You saved my life."

For the first time, I felt truly needed.

Just then, a young guy peeked in from the doorway. He was tall with brown hair and wore silver hearing aids.

"Sorry, I'm here for volunteer training, but I saw there was an emergency..."

Dr. Martinez nodded. "It's fine, Ethan. Perfect timing. Harper, meet Ethan - he's a psychology student."

"I'm Harper." I stood and shook his hand. "What just happened... you heard it all?"

"Yes," Ethan looked at me sincerely. "You were amazing. I could feel the power in your words."

We started talking. Ethan told me he'd been excluded by peers since childhood because of his hearing issues.

"You know, as a kid other children would always point and stare, or talk way too LOUD like I was stupid." Bitterness flashed in his eyes. "I always felt invisible."

"I get it," I nodded, feeling a strong connection. "I've always felt invisible too. My family doesn't see me - like I don't even exist."

"Really? It's so good to find someone who understands that feeling." His eyes lit up.

We discovered so many similarities. Both marginalized, both craving understanding.

"Talking with you feels so comfortable," Ethan said genuinely. "You don't pity me for my hearing aids or pretend they don't exist. You just... accept me as I am."

"I feel the same way." My heart raced.

From that day, we often worked together, discussing cases. Ethan's gentleness and companionship made me believe maybe I deserved to be truly cared for.

But at home, nothing had changed.

The following weekend evening, the whole family sat in the living room excitedly discussing Madison's wedding preparations.

"I just got a call from Vera Wang's studio - the dress is in!" Madison announced excitedly.

"Wonderful! My daughter will be the most beautiful bride!" Mom's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Watching their faces glow with joy, I took a deep breath and decided to share my good news: "Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you. I'm volunteering at the Mental Health Center, and last week I helped prevent a student suicide. Dr. Martinez says I have real talent."

The living room went quiet for a few seconds.

"Oh, that's nice." Mom nodded dismissively, then immediately turned to Madison. "Honey, let's try on the dress tomorrow."

Ryan yawned impatiently. "Harper, can you not interrupt when we're discussing important things?"

My heart was hit hard, but this time, I decided not to stay silent.

I took a deep breath and pulled out a fresh certificate from my backpack.

"Dad, I won Outstanding Volunteer of the Month." I handed him the certificate.

Dad took it and glanced quickly. "Does this certificate come with scholarship money?"

"No, but it means I really helped people - I saved someone's life—"

"What's the point if there's no money?" He tossed the certificate carelessly on the coffee table. "Harper, you should spend time on more valuable things. How do these volunteer activities actually help your future?"

Madison glanced at the certificate. "Mental Health Center? Harper, you don't have mental problems, do you?"

"I don't have mental problems, I'm helping others—" My voice started shaking.

"Come on," Ryan laughed, interrupting me. "Maybe it's because you HAVE problems that you get along with other problem people. Birds of a feather, you know."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I'd saved someone's life, earned professional recognition, but in this house, none of it mattered.

Just then, my phone buzzed. A text popped up from Ethan:

"Happy birthday, Harper! Even though we haven't known each other long, I remembered you mentioned today was your birthday. I hope this year is a fresh start for you. You deserve all the beauty in the world. ❤️"

I froze. Birthday? I looked at the date on my phone - October 15th.

Oh my God, today really WAS my 21st birthday. I'd completely forgotten.

I looked around the living room. Mom and Dad were still discussing dress details with Madison, Ryan was on his phone - not ONE person realized what today meant to me. The old me would have been heartbroken, would have felt truly unimportant and forgettable.

But now, looking at Ethan's text, a completely new feeling rose in my heart.

Someone remembered me. Someone cared about me.

I wiped away my tears and replied with a genuine smile: "Thank you for remembering. This is the best birthday gift I've ever received."