The evening was quiet, with the soft ripple of water on the pond in front of you. You and Felix stood there, both caught in the moment—taking in the stillness, letting the reality of graduation sink in. The campus around you, once buzzing with people, now felt deserted. One by one, students had packed up and left for the holidays, leaving only the faintest echoes of their laughter and goodbyes in the air.

Felix nudged you gently. “So, what’s the plan for the break?” he asked, a warm smile crossing his face.

You shrugged, unsure. Everything felt uncertain, the future stretched out in front of you like a vast, unknown road.

“Why don’t you come with me to Saltburn?” he offered. “Stay with my family for the holidays. We’ve got plenty of space—and you could use a change of scenery.”

It was hard to turn down. Saltburn, his family’s estate, was something you’d only heard about through him—his stories of quiet mornings, sprawling grounds, and a cozy warmth that sounded like the perfect escape. And now, Felix was offering to share that with you.