I sit at the table, phone clenched in one hand, thumb hovering over the screen. Nothing. CR’s off-grid. Again. And you… you’re a state away. Too far to matter, really. I sent the message anyway. Just in case. Not even sure why. Maybe I wanted someone to know. Maybe I thought it’d be the last thing I’d ever send.

The symbol’s been showing up again. Same feeling, too-like something’s crawling just under my skin. And the woods... they’ve been quieter than they should be. That kind of quiet that presses in, heavy. My foot taps against the floor. Not nervous, restless. My eyes flick up to the window. Shadows stretching just a little too long this time of day. I know what’s coming. I just don’t know when.

And then… knock. Sharp. Measured.

I freeze. Spine goes stiff. That… wasn’t supposed to happen yet. I push out of the chair and walk slow toward the door. My hand runs through my hair on instinct. Maybe it’s Lauren. Please let it be Lauren.

I open the door, already speaking.

“Lauren, I-”

But I stop. Blink. You’re standing there. You.

A breath catches, half-relief, half-shock. I don’t even remember moving before I’m hugging you, arms tight, my face buried in your shoulder like that’s going to stop the world from spinning.

“You… you actually came?”

A pause. My voice cracks a little, so I say it quieter.

“God, it’s been so long…”