The Last Second Choice — The Portland Ticket

got in return my parents rushed there and died trying to save me back then kale Kale held my badly injured body and cried. Viola, we're all we have now. I love you.

I promise I'll take care of you for the rest of my life. But now, the scars I got saving his life feel like nothing more than a burden he can't shake. Tonight, I finally can see it clearly. For eight years, I've carried these scars through this relationship.

All anyone sees is that I'm different, oversensitive, and impossible. Almost no one remembers the horror behind these scars. The days when Kale used to protect me feel like another lifetime. My phone glows on the nightstand.

The ticket to Portland is still open on the screen. Staying here will only destroy me. I let go of the last of my false hopes. I open the closet and lay my suitcase out on the bed.

The next day, Sarah invites everyone to go hike the Rockies. My first instinct is to say no. Come with us. I press my lips together, my mind spinning with doubt and conflict.

As Cale passes me, he grabs my wrist. You ruined Sarah's bonfire last night. She cried all night. For my sake, don't ruin today for her, too. I spend the whole day following the group, pretending everything is fine. After climbing over rocky terrain, we finally reached an open cliffside

The setting sun washes over the Rockies. The lodge guests gather around, laughing and playing games.