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Ryan eyed me suspiciously, as if searching for clues as to what was wrong with me. But the commotion in front of the bar immediately drew his attention back there. He had no time for my childish breakdown.

He turned around and came back immediately with two bottles, which I took both from his hand. Thank the Lord for alcohol one-day special permits. Screw cap. Perfect.

“Thanks, man.”

But Ryan was already closing the door, and I ran toward the dark beach.

Unlike in the afternoon, I was now wearing my sneakers, even though the sand was surely cold. Once I reached the water, I made much faster progress, running past the surf competition buildings, away from the party, the noise, my disappointment.

I saw a few people sitting on the beach. When I was finally alone, I took a few steps into the dunes and sat on some wooden planks. They were still slightly warm from the summer sun. But the only thing I was interested in was my wine.

In one swift movement, I unscrewed the cap and took a big gulp.

Ah. Too much acidity. And the sweetness doesn’t harmonize with it, my diligent chef’s brain immediately reported.

Cooking! Exactly. That was my destiny. Cooking. I hastily screwed the cap back on and fished my cell phone out of my pocket.

I quickly dialed the number I was searching for. Sway answered after only two rings.

“Hey, sorry to bother you again today. Is everything okay with your sister?”

She sighed. “Yes. Everything’s fine. Sorry again for leaving.”

“No problem. I need to ask you a huge favor, since I had to leave myself.”

“What? Is everything okay? What’s going on today?”

“Don’t worry about it. But I left in such a hurry that I didn’t clean up. I’m unbelievably sorry to ask. Could you please go back and collect the leftovers? Take whatever you want for yourself, and whatever’s left should go in the cooler at Conrad’s. I’ve rented it until next week. I’ll take care of that during the next days. Oh. And the cash register. Can you take that with you? But most important is the leftover food. If you manage to put everything in the small refrigerator in the truck, all the better. Then forget about Conrad’s. I’m not usually such a pig.”

“I know that. Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

Although she couldn’t see me, I shook my head. “No. Everything’s fine. It’s just that my plans have changed. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“What? But . . . ”

“If you want to, you can come with me. Or you could commute.”

There was a short pause, during which I grabbed my bottle again and took a sip. It still didn’t taste any better.

“I’ll have to see how that works out. I share the car with Mom. Can I think about your offer and discuss it with you later?”

“Of course! I’ll help you however I can. I’d be happy to have you back at my next stop.”

She paused again. “I would love to learn more, Ruben.”

“You will, Sway! We’ll find a way. I promise.”

“Okay. What do your parents say about you packing up and leaving again? They finally had you close by.”

Ah. My parents. I’d take care of them tomorrow.

“They’ll be fine.”

Sway laughed softly. “Okay. I’m on my way. You’ll pick up the cash register from my house tomorrow, right?”

“I will. I truly am sorry I am asking you to go back tonight.”

“No problem. Consider it done. Take care, Ruben!”