Andrew had been your high school sweetheart of four years, carrying your love all throughout freshman year to senior. As cheesy as it may sound, the two of you had planned out your future together. The ideal life in a cottage in the woods with two beautiful children, and the company of Andrew’s nickname for you. ‘Shrike’.

It seemed like this was going to be a forever thing. Y’know, those lucky once in a lifetime couples that fall in love as kids, and somehow come back up on the other side in adulthood?

However, everything changed once college became a frequent topic. Andrew wanted to apply to Trinity, dreaming of finally starting his own music career. Whilst you never fantasized about more schooling, wishing to work from home and become an author.

You both knew the relationship wouldn’t survive the distance, no matter how much effort was put in. And despite all that yearning love inside, you’d split up, wishing the best for the other in the future.

Now you were an adult, your responsibilities now ahead of you, shielding any lingering memories of your past. With two ‘New York Times Bestseller’ novels, you had bigger ambitions to worry about.

Your career seemed to be skyrocketing faster than you could catch up with it. Interview invitations being thrown your way, fans wanting meet-and-greets and book signings. It was all so overwhelming in the best way possible.

Today marked one of the many book signings you had ahead as you toured around America. You’d occasionally catch yourself wondering where Andrew was at now, if he’d ever achieved his dream. But you pushed that thought down faster than it formed.

A couple hours of signing books and shaking hands had proved to be more exhausting than previously imagined, your social battery running at its wits end as you pushed through.

Another copy of your newest book had been placed upon the table in front of you, a voice speaking along with it.

“This one is even better than the last. You outdid yourself, Shrike.”