Chapter 54

The Sicilian sun warms my face as I exhale deeply, taking in the intoxicating mix of Mediterranean air and fresh garlic from the nearby kitchen. Sitting across from me at the quaint sidewalk café, Mel fidgets with her wine glass, her floral sundress catching the afternoon breeze. The cobblestone streets around us buzz with life, tourists and locals alike weaving through the narrow passages between centuries-old buildings.

Thomas is recovering well – he'll be discharged tomorrow. It's hard to believe two weeks have passed since that terrifying night at the hospital. Those same two weeks have been filled with morning texts from Rafael, each one making my heart skip despite my best efforts to stay detached. Every day, without fail, he shares his plans, his thoughts, his day – as if trying to include me in a life, I'm not sure I should want. It's endearing in a way that makes my resolve weaken, but tomorrow's conversation will change everything. I've