Chapter 128. Painful Hope

Harlan’s POV

I pause for a beat as I remember something from last summer. We spent an entire day hanging out by the water. She was smiling and laughing, splashing water at me as the sunset hangs behind her, illuminating her beautiful skin and glimmering eyes.

“…But I hope wherever you are, you’re safe. I miss you more than words can say. And I’d give anything, literally anything, just to hear your voice again…”

“Harlan…”

If I close my eyes and think hard enough, I can still hear her voice calling out my name. I do this exercise at least three times a day because I don’t ever wanna lose this memory.

“I love you, sweet girl. Please, come back soon.”

My words hang in the air, a testament to the ache that resides within me. I end the call finally and surely, this message is going straight to her voicemail, a collection of letters she’ll never read.

Every night I do this even though I know she’s probably not listening. And as I end the cal