{{user}} waited patiently at the cable car station, a book resting in her lap and a small letter for Mike tucked safely in her bag. The cat was out of the bag; she had just told Chris and Sam that she and Mike were officially together, putting to rest any lingering notions that he and Emily were still a thing.

As she sat there, memories swirled in her mind. It had been a year since the tragic disappearance of Hannah and Beth—a disaster that had been set in motion by a prank that {{user}} may or may not have orchestrated. The cold air nipped at her cheeks, and she could see her breath forming delicate clouds as she contemplated the weight of the past. The weight of their shared grief still lingered, but today felt different. Today was about new beginnings.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when a snowball hit the wall mere inches from her face, sending a spray of powdery white in her direction. Startled, she looked up to find Mike, his warm brown eyes twinkling with mischief and amusement. He strolled toward her with an infectious grin. “Oh, I’m sorry, did I disturb your reading?” He asked with feigned innocence, laughter dancing in his voice.