I stare at it and immediately feel sick.
Because I know that line—you deserve someone who isn’t afraid—is just a prettier way of sayingI’m running because I don’t trust happiness.
I grab my keys and my bag.
The cabin feels like it watches me go.
Outside, the sun is brighter than it has any right to be. The snow sparkles. The air is sharp and clean.
Darlene starts on the first try like she’s proud of herself.
I pull out of the clearing and drive down the lane.
My hands are numb on the steering wheel, even with gloves.
When I reach the main road, I glance in the rearview mirror.
Bluebird cabin disappears behind the trees.
And something in my chest cracks.
I make it to Timber Creek before the first tear falls.
Then I’m pulling into a gas station on the edge of town, gripping the steering wheel, breathing hard like I’ve just run miles instead of fleeing a man who made me feel cherished.
My phone buzzes.
Unknown number.
My stomach flips.
I answer with shaking fingers. “Hello?”
Beau’s voice comes through, low and edged with something I’ve never heard from him before.
“Mila.”
My breath catches so hard it hurts. “Beau?—”
“Where are you?” he asks.
Notare you okay.
Notwhat happened.
Where are you?
Like he already knows.
Like he already feels the empty space.
“I…” I swallow, trying to make the words come out steady. They don’t. “I’m— I’m heading home.”
Silence.
Then his voice drops even lower. Dangerous now.
“Turn around.”
