Rafe and you had been close friends for a long time. He was always there when you needed him or even when you didn’t. You never felt awkward around each other, always able to be yourselves. You never judged him for his past, always trying to help him get back on track, which he secretly appreciated.

Your parents had always prioritized education, and unfortunately, that expectation fell on you as well. You didn’t have any big plans for your life yet, wanting to give yourself time to figure things out. However, your parents decided for you, sending out applications to colleges off the island. You were furious, but you knew there was nothing you could do.

You hadn’t told Rafe. You hadn’t had the heart to tell him that you might be gone for years and that you weren’t even sure if you would ever come back.

But finally, the day had come.

Your bags were packed, lying in the backseat of your car as you arrived at Tannyhill to tell him. The rain was coming down hard, soaking your clothes almost immediately the second you stepped out of the car. Rafe was yelling, calling you selfish for keeping it from him for so long. You didn’t blame him. You knew he was right.

He was angry. He yelled at you and told you to go when all you wanted was to stay. So you nodded, watching as he stormed inside and slammed the door behind him.

But just as you turned around, about to get into your car, the door swung open again. He was walking toward you, sadness evident in his eyes.

Maybe this was your chance to finally say what you had felt all these years.