“Well, I still haven’t figure out how to explainyouto my parents.”
“So, youarethinking about coming clean with them?”
“It’s a lot. I mean, you’re…you. But if I can somehow sell us to my parents, pitching the app will be a piece of cake,” she said, chuckling. “I just need one good idea, but it has to be a game changer.”
“You know what’s the ultimate game changer?” Ethan picked up his script and waved it at her. “Death.”
“Yeah, I doubt I’ll be solvingthatwith an app.” Priya laughed. “How does your script handle it?”
“Well, my character has seven days to cheat death. For six days, he wakes up in a casket and spends every moment planning ways to escape. But Death always gets him by sunset. On the last day, he stops fighting and leaves the funeral home. He goes home, walks his dog, makes his wife breakfast, flies a kite with his son, listens to his favorite album, has a drink with his friends.”
“And then?”
“The final scene shows him on a park bench, watching the sun set. Children are playing. His son’s feeding pigeons, his wife’s taking photos, and their dog’s pulling on the leash. He just sits there, totally at peace.”
“No more running?”
“Exactly. He stops looking over his shoulder and just enjoys his last day.”
“And the movie ends with him on that bench?”
“Not quite. As the sun dips below the horizon, a single leaf drifts down from the sky. It brushes past him and lands quietly at his feet, like a kiss from Death. His family’s voices, children shouting, the distant sound of a siren—all of it keeps going. It’s like he fades quietly into the moment, dissolving slowly into the night.”
“That’s haunting and beautiful,” Priya whispered.
“There’s a real emotional weight to this. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before. Could be a major turning point in my career.”
“Sounds like the perfect excuse for a movie night at the coach house,” Priya declared. “Pillows, blankets, wine, cheese, and popcorn!”
“Tomorrow,” Ethan said. “Tonight, I’m taking you out for a night on the town.”
“You know you can’t go anywhere without getting mobbed, right?”
“I’ve got ways to stay under the radar,” he teased. “I’m thinking dinner, music, dancing, and cocktails under the city lights.”
“Do you always plan dates like they’re pulled from a movie?” Priya laughed.
“When I’m with you, every moment feels screen-worthy.” He cupped her face and kissed her softly. “So just relax and let me take care of everything.”
Twenty-One
Just before sunset,an unassuming van dropped Ethan and Priya off at a quiet pier. The lake stretched out before them, glittering like a jewel under the soft colors of the setting sun. Birds skimmed across the water, their wings leaving ripples in their wake. Moored at the end of the pier was a sleek, two-tiered yacht.
Priya gasped as Ethan led her toward it. “I thought you said dinner, not a cruise!”
Ethan grinned, clearly loving her reaction. “Why pick one when you can have both?”
At the dock, the crew waited with a mix of excitement and professionalism.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Knight,” the captain said with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to host you and your guest tonight.”
“Thank you.” Ethan extended his hand to Priya, helping her step onto the deck.
“Refreshments?” A crew member approached with a tray holding two champagne flutes. “I’m Yara,” she said, guiding them toward the lounge. “I’ll be looking after you this evening. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your eveningmore enjoyable.” Though there was a starry look in her eyes, she remained composed. “I’ll return shortly with an update on our departure.” With a graceful nod, she excused herself.
“Here’s to making a dream come true,” Ethan declared, raising his glass.
“What dream?” Priya asked, still feeling a little overwhelmed. Just hours ago, in the freight car, she’d thought she was as happy as she could ever be. Now, her heart stretched in ways she hadn’t expected.
