I studied Sabrina’s radiant excitement: the way her eyes sparkled, how a rosy flush colored her cheeks.
A pang of longing tugged at me. Would I ever know that kind of effortless happiness? Engagement rings and breathless declarations of love felt like fairy tales I’d never belong to.
But I tucked the sadness away, reminding myself: Sabrina thrived on sunshine; I was the black cat perched in her shadow, and somehow, it balanced us.
“That’s wonderful,” I said, forcing a bright note into my voice. “Truly. So where’s this trip happening? Tell me more.”
Sabrina clapped, the sound echoing like high-fives in an empty hallway. “A wilderness retreat! Imagine winding trails through towering pines, the scent of fir and damp earth. While the boys rough do campfires and survival lessons we’ll bask in the spa, do sunrise yoga, soak in the hot springs. We’re thinking of piling into Shane’s SUV. It’s massive, room for four and all our bags. He said it’s about two weeks, but I’ll confirm.”
I let the image settle. A silent forest, steam rising from a natural pool, morning light through the trees. I had always craved an escape into nature. “Sounds amazing. I’m a sucker for greenery. Do you know how much it costs?”
She waved her latte in a casual arc. “Expenses are on Shane. You know he’s rolling in it.”
I lifted an eyebrow, my tone teasing. “Marrying him for his money, are you? Very generous of him.”
Sabrina laughed, warm and light. “He is loaded, yes, but there’s a reason. He’s the perfect lover.” She sighed, gazing off as though picturing him now, hand in mine.
I smiled, letting amusement and genuine happiness mingle in my chest. “I’m really happy for both of you. I think I could go. It might be fun.”
She squealed, scooting across the bench to give me a side hug. The fabric of her sundress brushed my arm. “Yay! You won’t regret this, Amelia. I’ll text you all the details once Shane confirmstimes and routes.”
“Great,” I said, sipping my latte as the rich coffee buzz tickled my senses. “I could definitely use some joy, and I’m curious about this mystery brother.”
Sabrina’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “Me too! Shane even said he’s thinking of moving here, his life’s not great where he is now. Wouldn’t it be fun to have him around?”
I nodded, picturing an extra branch on our small circle of friends. “Yeah. I bet Shane would love a bit of family close by.”
She gathered her things and stood. “I have so much to plan, but I’m thrilled you’re coming. Watch for my text!”
We parted behind the café’s counter, each slipping into our own cars. I settled into the driver’s seat, the engine purring beneath me, and watched the urban bustle fade. Doubt flickered at the edge of my mind: Was I wise to plunge into the unknown?
But then I inhaled deeply, released a shaky laugh, and whispered, “Fuck it.”
I deserved a break. I deserved to disconnect. With that, I pulled out onto the road, sunlight dancing across the dash as I steered toward new memories.
THE PRESENT
AMELIA
Days slipped by in a blur until the long-awaited morning of our wilderness retreat finally dawned.
Our expedition would span two full days, hugging the winding blacktops from our sleepy North Carolina town through rolling foothills, across sunlit plains, and into the soaring Rockies of Colorado.
Already, I braced myself for the cramped hours ahead: me, my perpetually chatty best friend Sabrina, her upbeat fiancé Shane, and some mysterious stranger I’d never met. Oh, the joy.
I tried to summon a spark of optimism. Maybe he’d be tall with soft eyes, maybe our conversation would flow, maybe I’d finally discover someone who saw past my walls.
But that hopeful flicker sputtered almost as soon as it appeared.
I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and dabbed at my palms, reminding myself how foolish I was to crave acceptance, to dare imagine I might be worthy of affection. Better to resign myself to solitude. A lonely soul destined to fade away.
A hollow ache settled in my chest as I rolled my suitcase’s frayed leather handle between my fingers, its familiar scuffs reminding me of every trip I’d taken alone. Each hesitation knotted my stomach tighter. I inhaled, lungs trembling, and whispered into the quiet room: “Get it together, Amelia. You’re a grown woman. Act like it.”
Sabrina had promised to swing by in thirty minutes. I typed out a quick text—‘I’m ready; you can come get me now.’ Almost immediately, her response pinged back. Too quick. I had no time left to steel my nerves.
Minutes later, the door swung open with its creaky welcome, and in burst Sabrina, pure kinetic energy in a sundress, her auburn hair catching the morning light like embers. “Amelia! Are you excited? This is going to be incredible!”
She enveloped me in a hug so enthusiastic I stumbled back against the wall. I patted her shoulder awkwardly, plastered on a grin. “Yep. All packed. Let’s roll.”
