“And I would gladly die to save Kimmie’s. That’s love, Anna. It gives us purpose and strength. Vronsky had no other choice but to save you. He couldn’t have lived with himself if anything happened to you.”

“But now I’m the one who’s alone. How am I supposed to go on without him?”

Dustin put his arm around Anna’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “We just do. It could have been you who died by that train, but Vronsky gave his life to make sure it didn’t happen. He did it because he loved you, which, as my brother told me, is the only reason to do anything. You need to honor his love and live the life you were meant to live.”

Anna bit her lip, trying in vain to stop her tears. She wanted to change the subject. “I heard you deferred MIT so you could be with Kimmie for another year,” Anna said.

“Yes, that and I’m also staying in the city to look after my mom. She helped me find a job working at a youth center that specializes in drug addiction.”

Anna looked out her window. “I’m really going to miss the city, and all you guys, Steven and Lolly…”

Dustin furrowed his brow. “I thought Steven and Lolly were going with you.”

“They are, but I meant after. Did Steven not tell you? I’m not coming back with them after the trip. My father thinks it’s better if I finish school abroad. You know, a fresh start. He’s going to work out of his office in Seoul and I’ll be attending a private girls’ school there.”

Dustin was a little shocked. “I don’t understand, when did this get decided? What about your mom and Steven?”

“This morning. My mom’s going to stay here. They haven’t said they’re getting divorced, but it’s not looking good. And Steven’s going to Deerfield. But since New York’s much closer than where I’ll be, I am counting on you to look after my brother for me, okay?”

“Are you sure about all this?” Dustin asked, staring into Anna’s face, suddenly feeling uneasy. His hands were now clammy.

“My father thinks it’s what’s best.”

“But what do you want, Anna?”

She looked at him for a long time. “I guess right now, I don’t want anything.” She paused and then continued, “Actually that’s not true. I do want one thing. For you and Kimmie to have fun at prom.”