Page 107 of What Remains

Seth ran his thumb across her knuckles. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For showing up."

A tear escaped, despite the smile tugging at her lips. "I don't regret it."

His chest tightened. "That almost makes this worse."

She laughed softly through watery eyes. "It really does."

They stood in silence, hands intertwined, memorizing each other: the roughness of his palms against the warmth of hers, the tiny scar across her thumb, the faint freckles across her nose he'd only noticed from spending so many mornings watching her before she woke.

"I keep trying to tell myself this isn't goodbye," Seth said.

She looked up at him. "What does your heart say?"

He smiled sadly. "My heart's an idiot."

Her laugh broke into a sniffle halfway through. "Mine too."

He reached up and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You deserve someone who can promise to be here tomorrow."

"I don't want guarantees." She laid a hand over his heart.

"I know."

She stepped closer until no space remained between them. "I forgot what it felt like to want something," she whispered. "And then you walked in and I remembered how to want a tomorrow."

He rested his forehead against hers. "You did the same for me."

Neither of them noticed the tears anymore. Seth cupped her face gently.

"If this world gives me even half a chance..."

She nodded before he could finish. "You'll come back."

"I'll come back."

Josie broke. The quiet composure she'd worn since he arrived shattered as she wrapped both arms around him, holding on with everything she had. Seth held her just as tightly. Neither wanted to let go first.

Minutes slipped by. Outside, voices drifted through the house—someone laughed, a screen door creaked. Life continued while theirs hung suspended.

Eventually, Josie leaned back just enough to look at him.

"You know what Layla asked me this morning?"

He shook his head.

"She asked if I thought you'd become part of the family."

His throat tightened. "What did you tell her?"

Josie smiled sadly. "I told her... I hoped so."

Seth kissed her then. He pulled away, forcing himself to grab the rucksack. Every step through the farmhouse felt like a betrayal.

Layla burst into the kitchen, her socked feet slapping against the weathered boards.