I don’t ask questions as I open the box. There’s another envelope inside this one. Much bigger than the one taped to the side of the box.
I stare at the little card, just one line packed with so much. I take a shaky breath as I open the envelope. Inside are three pieces of paper.
TRANSFER PAPERS APPROVED
Sloane Isabelle Monroehas been approved for academic transfer fromRaymor UniversitytoRaymor University Online.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
All credits and classes have been transferred. Your transcripts have been processed. Fall 2026 enrollment transferred to RUO, and class schedules will be emailed in the next 24-48 hours.
Welcome to RUO. Where you can get the same education, just anywhere in the world.
I slowly slip it behind the second piece of paper, as my heart beats faster.
SLOANE ISABELLE MONROE - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, your Fall 2026 lease agreement has been terminated. A full refund of your deposit will be refunded to you accordingly within the next 5-7 business days.
PINE LAKE MANAGEMENT
My heart beats even faster as I slide the last paper to the top of the very small pile.What is going on? What is she doing?
LEASE AGREEMENT
TENANT: Sloane Isabelle Monroe
RENTER: Beckett James Hayes
Effective September 1st.
Term Agreement:Forever?
House Size:5 Bedrooms. 4 1/2 Bathrooms.
HouseCommendations: Pool, washer & dryer, parking, grass, and endless Mocha Cuddles.
Parking Spaces Needed:1
Rent Due:1st of Every Month
Rent Amount:Endless kisses, snuggles, three meals a day, foot rubs, and a clean house.
I stare at the papers, unable to process what the words in front of me are even saying as I stare at this false lease agreement. The words from the other papers are sinking in as well.
“What is this?” I whisper. I wrap my arms even tighter around her. I’m pretty sure that I know what this is, but I don’t think that I can physically process what this is until the words come from her lips.
“I-I want to stay here… with you.”
My heart beats so fast as I set the box down and bury my face into her neck. I squeeze her a lot tighter than I should. She giggles as I press soft, affectionate kisses to her neck.
“I want you to stay too, but you didn’t have to do all this,” I whisper, nipping on her ear. She pulls away and turns to look at me.
“I know, but I want to. If you don’t want me to stay here,” she says, gesturing to the house, “I can get an apartment in the city. I have no reason to go back to Georgia, and every reason to stay here.” She laces her fingers with mine and pats her lap. Mocha jumps up onto her thighs, and she kisses his head.
“Yeah, you two are both staying here. It might be a little non-traditional, but there’s no way in hell I’d ever let you leave. The house would be way too quiet without your two’s chaos.”
I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. I just stare at her.I love you.“God, you’re so fucking beautiful.”
She blushes, and a small smile graces her lips. I am going to compliment her forever if it means she’ll keep looking at me like that.
