Chapter 3: Reunion and Regret

Later that night, when the house was finally quiet, Caleb slipped into the hallway and quietly sent me out the front door. The chill outside hit me like a slap. Marcus—ever the silent assistant—waited by the curb, his phone screen glowing. Marcus didn’t make small talk, just nodded at me in the rearview mirror. I hugged my backpack to my chest, watching the city lights flick past.

The next morning, Derek came to pick me up. He looked just like always—sunny, a little rumpled, his signature grin making the world feel normal again. As soon as he saw me, he wrapped me up in a tight hug, holding me close like he never wanted to let go.

"Sorry, Natalie, I didn’t pick you up yesterday," he said, voice apologetic, arms still locked around me.

"It’s okay," I said, ruffling the messy hair at the back of his head. He always reminded me of a golden retriever when he was excited.

Knowing we’d finally get to see each other every day, I felt warmth bloom in my chest, as bright and sure as the morning sun streaming through the hotel lobby windows.