x
Evan woke to the roar of a vacuum, its droning hum slicing through sleep like a buzzsaw. He blinked against the light, dragging himself from the murky warmth of dreams. His limbs felt heavy, cemented to the mattress. Every part of him begged to stay still.
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He stretched-slow, reluctant-trying to shake the fatigue that had settled deep in his bones.
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His room greeted him like a bad memory. Clothes everywhere. Empty takeout boxes on the desk. Half-drunk water bottles balanced on old textbooks. The mess wasn't just physical-it echoed the chaos in his head.
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He stood in the doorway, staring at it all. A slow breath filled his lungs. Tight.
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God, this place looks how I feel.
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Rubbing sleep from his eyes, he trudged to the bathroom. No better there. Toothpaste crusted the sink. Razors knocked over. Shampoo bottle caps gone missing. But something shifted in him-a flicker of resolve.
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He started with the sink.
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It was small, almost pointless. But it felt like something. Like control. A single square inch of sanity.
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Once the bathroom was clean, he turned back to his room, steeling himself like it was a war.
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Piece by piece, he told himself. Just move.
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Like training for a marathon, he thought, already rolling his eyes.
Except there's no finish line. Just a mountain of laundry.
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""Evan!" His mom's voice cut through the silence like a blade.
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He blinked, still caught in his own thoughts. "Yeah?"
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"Can you come downstairs and help me with something?"
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With a sigh, he headed down, each step creaking underfoot like a countdown. When he turned the corner, he saw her struggling with a fallen bookshelf-half its contents spilled across the floor like casualties of war.
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"Can you help me lift this?" she asked, breathless but determined.
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"Sure thing, Captain Chaos," Evan said, crouching beside her. "We winging this, or you got a floor plan for Operation Re-Shelve?"
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"Lift with your knees!" Essiya chirped from the couch, mid-bite of cereal.
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Together, they heaved the shelf upright. Once it was back in place, his mom knelt to start organizing the mess.
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"I've got the rest," she said with a wave, already reaching for the first scattered book.
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Evan nodded, turning to head back upstairs, grateful for the excuse to disappear again.
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As Evan reached the bottom of the stairs, his mom called out, "Hey-don't you have a flight to Ohio tomorrow?"
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"Technically," he said, hesitation creeping into his voice. "Assuming it's not canceled because of the earthquake. But... after everything, I'm not sure I'm going."
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She stepped closer, concern etched into her face. "Oh, snickerdoodle, no." Her voice rose with urgency. "You need this trip. After everything that happened? You deserve a break."
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Her eyes softened. "It's been what, almost a year since you saw Kyra? Just think how happy she'll be when you finally hug her again."
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Evan scratched the back of his head, avoiding her gaze. "Yeah... but you've got a wrecked house, and Donovan-what if he wakes up and I'm not here?"
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She placed a hand on his shoulder, steady and warm. "You'll do the heavy lifting today. I'll manage the rest. And Bubby?" She smiled faintly. "He'd want you to go. You being here isn't going to change his recovery."
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He shifted his weight, torn. "I just... I want to be here when he wakes up."
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"I know, sweetheart. And whatever you choose-I support it. Just don't stay back out of guilt."
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He nodded slowly. "I'll think about it."
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She gave his shoulder a final squeeze, then smirked. "If you do go, clean your room first. I'm not stepping foot in there. I wouldn't know if the mess was from you or the earthquake."
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"Yeah, because that's just the kind of vacation my room needs. An archaeological dig," Evan shot back, rolling his eyes at her teasing.
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Back upstairs, Evan resumed the war against his room.
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Eventually, he reached the TV and computer-the final boss. A wave of dread hit him.
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Please don't be broken, he thought. I can't afford to replace either.
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He knelt beside the mess of cords, gently untangling the knot of plastic and dust. His hands moved carefully, almost reverently, as he reconnected each cable.
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Heart pounding, he hit the power button.
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Boop boop beep.
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"Oh thank God," he breathed, slumping with relief as the screen flickered to life.
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He dropped into his chair and launched his game, hoping to drown out the swirl of anxiety in his chest.
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Then-buzz. His phone lit up.
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Distraction short-lived.
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Message received from Kyra
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Evan's heart gave a small jolt. He grabbed his phone like a lifeline, swiping it open.
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Kyra: Hey, mi amor... how are you holding up?
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His fingers hovered for a moment before typing.
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Evan: It's tough. Just waiting on updates from the doctors. I feel useless... like I should be doing more.
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Her response came fast.
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Kyra: Ay, corazón... I can't even imagine.
But you're not useless. You're there. Ready to show up. That's everything.
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He swallowed the lump rising in his throat.
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Evan: I just... I don't know how to sit still like this. Knowing my brother is just lying there, not knowing if he's gonna wake up... it's messing with me. I feel like I'm spiraling.
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Kyra: Papi, breathe. One moment at a time. Okay? Your brother's tough-igual que tú. You just focus on being there. I'll be right here, cheering for you every second. You don't have to carry all of this alone.
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He closed his eyes, letting her words sink in like warmth through chilled skin.
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Evan: Thank you. Just hearing from you... it helps more than I know how to explain.
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Kyra: Then I'll keep texting you all day if I have to. I wish I could be there. Hold you. Kiss your face. Tell you it's gonna be okay-in person.
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His thumb hovered for a second, then:
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Evan: I wish you were here too. You always make everything easier just by being around.
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Kyra: Pues... I'm sending the biggest hug right now. Like, two arms, a leg, and my whole heart wrapped around you.
Did you feel it?
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A chuckle escaped him-soft but real.
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Evan: I did. And it actually helped.
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Kyra: Good. 'Cause I love you. Like, fr fr. You're mine, Evan. And you're not doing this alone. Not on my watch. You deserve peace. Even in chaos.
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He stared at the screen for a few seconds, then sat up straighter.
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Evan: I think I need to see you. I want to be with you. I'm taking my flight tomorrow.
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There was a beat of silence. Then-
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Kyra: ... Wait ... For real?
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Evan: Yeah. I've been going back and forth, but... I made my decision. I want to be near you. I need that right now... I need you right now.
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Kyra: Mi cielo... Don't get me twisted, I ache for your touch. But you sure? I don't want you to feel like you're leaving your brother behind.
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Evan: I'm sure. My mom supports it. And Donovan... he'd want me to go. Staying here won't make him better. But being with you? I think it might help me.
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Her response came slower this time. But when it did, it made his chest tighten.
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Kyra: Okay... then I want you here, baby. I want to be in your arms so bad it hurts.
But even more than that I want you to feel whole again. So yeah... come. I'll be waiting. With open arms and maybe a lil' booty shake at the airport. But only if there's no grannies watching. You're my home, Evan. Even when the world feels like it's falling apart.
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His smile grew without him realizing.
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Evan: I love you, Kyra. So much.
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Kyra: I love you más. And when you get here, we're gonna get your head right, eat way too much food, and binge-watch dumb cartoons until the world makes sense again... And I'll drain out every worry you have 😜
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Evan: I can't wait.
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Kyra: Now go clean your room before TSA finds that sock colony under your bed.
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Evan: Already on it, Coach.
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Kyra: That's my man.
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Evan set the phone down on his chest, a rare peace settling into him. For the first time in days, the weight didn't feel so crushing.
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Tomorrow, he'd be on a plane.
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Tomorrow, he'd finally have her in his arms.
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And neither of them would be holding back.
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After finishing his room, Evan spent the rest of the afternoon helping his mom with the real damage-hauling fallen debris from the yard, lifting busted furniture inside, and resetting what little structure the earthquake had left behind. All the while, Essiya lounged nearby with a bowl of chips, barking orders like a pint-sized drill sergeant.
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"Soldier! That shelf's still crooked!"
"Don't forget the porch, Private Evan!"
"Permission to hydrate denied until you lift that couch!"
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Evan groaned through most of it, but deep down, the normalcy felt good. Like something to hold onto.
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---
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As night settled in, a quiet thrill hummed beneath Evan's exhaustion. He'd done so much-cleaned, packed, made peace with his decision-but now the weight of it all pressed down like wet blankets.
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His body ached, but his mind buzzed with tomorrow.
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Kyra.
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He could already see her-arms open, eyes wide, that half-smirk she wore when she was trying not to cry. The idea of holding her, of being held back, felt like oxygen after a day spent underwater.
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He grabbed his phone, thumb hovering over the keyboard before typing:
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Evan: Goodnight, Kyra. I can't wait to see you.
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He hit send, then set the phone on his chest, staring at the ceiling as his breathing slowed.
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Then his phone rang.
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Private Number.
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His thumb hovered over the decline button. He almost ignored it.
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Almost.
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"...Hello?"
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The voice on the other end was low. Calm. Too calm.
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"Do not take your flight tomorrow, Mr. Pettway. Stay in Florida."
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Evan sat upright instantly, adrenaline flooding his veins. His heart hammered against his ribs.
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"What? Who the hell is this?"
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"I'll repeat it once.
Do not get on that plane.
If you care about your family... you'll listen."
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His stomach dropped.
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"Is this-" his voice cracked. "Is this Kyra's ex?! Is this some kind of joke? How the hell did you get my number?!"
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Silence.
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Then-
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click.
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The call ended.
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Evan yanked the phone from his ear and stared at the screen.
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No missed call.
No caller ID.
No history.
Like it hadn't even happened.
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His hands trembled. A chill crawled up his spine, like someone had just walked across his grave.
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He stood, pacing. Checked the windows. Locked the door. Nothing. No one outside.
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But something had changed.
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Tomorrow had been filled with hope. With warmth. With her.
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Now it felt... poisoned. Unsteady. Like a trap had been quietly set and he'd just heard the spring click into place.
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Still gripping the phone, Evan sat on the edge of the bed, trying to steady his breathing.
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It had to be her ex.
Yeah. That obsessed, jealous lunatic. The guy she blocked on everything.
Probably found a spoofing app and decided to mess with me.
Creepy, sure. But not some government conspiracy. Just a weirdo with no life.
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He lay back slowly, still uneasy, but just enough convinced to let the fear dull into frustration.
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Eventually, his eyes closed-not from peace, but from overload. Sleep came, broken and restless.
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And somewhere in the background, the silence hummed like a held breath.
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The next morning, Evan was jolted awake by the sharp buzz of his alarm. It cut through the fog of sleep like a blade, dragging him out of a dream he couldn't remember.
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He blinked against the soft sun filtering through the blinds. The red digits on his nightstand glowed:
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10:00 AM.
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He exhaled, rubbing his face.
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Flight's not until three. I've got time.
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A ripple of excitement fluttered in his chest, cutting through the sleep haze. Just the thought of being with Kyra again made it impossible to lie still.
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He rolled out of bed and shuffled into the bathroom. The chill of the tile bit at his feet as he splashed cold water over his face. In the mirror, his hair was a mess, his eyes half-lidded-but underneath the sleep, there was something lighter. Brighter. A flicker of boyish anticipation he hadn't felt in weeks.
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After brushing his teeth, he stepped back into his room and zeroed in on the open suitcase. Clothes already half-packed. The scent of clean laundry hung in the air. He grabbed a crisp shirt, smoothing it flat-when-
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Knock knock.
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"Come in," he called, glancing at the door.
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The door swung open, and his mom stepped in, balancing a plate piled with steaming food.
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The smell hit first-scrambled eggs, buttered toast, just the right hint of pepper. For a moment, the stress faded. The hospital, the call, even the packing-all of it drifted into the background.
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"Morning, honey! Brought you some breakfast," she said, her eyes sweeping the room. Then, in mock shock, "Wow. Your room's clean. Like... actually clean. Did I walk into the wrong house?"
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Evan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I figured it was time for a small miracle."
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She laughed and handed him the plate. The warmth in his hands grounded him more than he expected.
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He sat on the edge of the bed, taking a bite of the eggs. Rich, familiar. Comfort food in the purest sense.
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His mom's gaze drifted to the open suitcase.
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"Ooh-you're going!" she lit up. "I'm so glad, baby. You really deserve this. What changed your mind?"
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Evan shrugged with a small grin. "What you said last night stuck with me. A little peace sounds good right now."
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Her face softened. "Well, I hope it's everything you need and more. And don't forget-I want pictures. Cute ones. Not those weird zoomed-in food shots you always take."
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"Deal," he laughed. "Thanks, Mom. For the food... and everything."
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She gave his shoulder a squeeze before heading out, leaving the scent of breakfast and her warmth behind.
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As he settled in to eat, the simple act filled more than just his stomach. It brought a quiet kind of peace. Warm eggs, buttered toast, and the calm before travel. Still, he couldn't resist checking his phone.
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His fingers danced across the screen as he shot off a text:
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Evan: Good morning, beautiful!
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Her reply popped up almost instantly:
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Kyra: ¡Buenos días, guapo! Hope you slept okay, papi.
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A grin crept across his face.
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Evan: I did! I'm so excited to see you today.
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Kyra: Ay Dios mío, me too! What time's your flight again?
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Evan: Around 3.
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Kyra: Perfecto. Gives me time to shave my legs, pick an outfit, and maybe not panic-clean the whole apartment, haha. Can't have you thinking I'm messy.
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Evan: You? Messy? Never.
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Kyra: Pffft, you don't know the struggle, mi amor. I'm fighting for my life over here just to look chill.
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Evan laughed under his breath, leaning back against the headboard as anticipation bubbled up.
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Evan: I'm gonna finish packing now. I'll text you when I'm on the plane.
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Kyra: Okaaay! Text me the second you're sitting down! I wanna track your flight like the loca I am.
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He could practically hear the sparkle in her voice-the way her words danced with that playful, spicy edge only she had.
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And he loved it. Every bit of it.
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The next hour blurred into a flurry of packing, checking, and double-checking. By the time Evan zipped his bag shut for the final time, the clock flashed 1:30 PM.
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His stomach twisted-not from nerves, but from the sharp realization of how fast the time had flown.
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"Shit."
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He grabbed his bags and rushed downstairs, arms overloaded like a one-man circus act.
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"Hey, Mom! It's a quarter till two-I think it's time!"
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"Okay, honey! Be right there! Did you pack your toothbrush?" she called from the kitchen.
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Evan exhaled through a half-laugh, half-groan. "Yes!"
He shook his head, smiling. No matter how old he got, she never missed the essentials.
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They loaded into the truck-him at the wheel, his mom in the passenger seat, and Essiya strapped in the back with a juice box.
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As Evan started the engine, the familiar opening chords of The Outfield's "Your Love" spilled from the speakers.
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He smirked. "No way. I haven't heard this song since I was, like, ten."
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His mom tapped the dash. "Always was your favorite when it came on the radio."
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The warm nostalgia washed over him-but then a chill crept in, uninvited.
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"Hey... uh, I didn't mention this last night, but..." He hesitated, knuckles tightening slightly on the wheel. "I got a weird phone call. Private number. Some dude telling me not to get on my flight. Said, 'If you care about your family, stay in Florida.'"
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The mood in the truck shifted.
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"What?!" his mom gasped, sitting up straighter. "Why didn't you tell me?"
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Evan waved it off. "I figured it was just Kyra's crazy ex. She told me he was obsessive. Probably spoofed a number to mess with me."
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Her brow furrowed. "Even if it was him, that's not funny, Evan. That's threatening. You need to be careful-don't ignore stuff like that."
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From the backseat, Essiya chimed in, mouth full of granola bar. "He probably just mad 'cause Tío Evan got the baddie!"
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Evan snorted, glancing at him in the rearview. "Kid, don't gas me up. You're gonna make my head explode mid-flight."
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Essiya shrugged. "Not my fault you out here stealin' hearts like a villain."
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They all laughed, the tension breaking just enough to let the music slip back in.
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The rest of the ride passed in a blur-last-minute reminders from his mom, jokes from Essiya, and the quiet buzz of anticipation beneath it all.
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At the terminal, Evan pulled his luggage from the trunk and turned to face them. He hugged his mom tightly, letting it linger longer than usual. Then he crouched to hug Essiya, ruffling his hair.
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"Be good," Evan said.
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"I'm always good," Essiya smirked. "Just not boring."
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"Have fun, alright?" his mom murmured, giving his arm a squeeze.
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"I will, Call me if you get any news about Donovan. And you, Evan turned to essiya with a grin. "Take care of my mom, little man."
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"She's in good hands, big boy." he said, flexing his arms.
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As Evan turned toward the sliding doors, the excitement finally hit full force.
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He was really going.
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Inside the airport, Evan arrived with time to spare-just over an hour before boarding. His stomach growled, and the warm scent of fresh bread pulled him straight to a nearby Subway. He ordered an Italian sub, extra vinegar, and took a seat near the window, the sharp tang waking his senses with every bite.
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As he chewed, his eyes drifted across the flow of travelers-families wrangling toddlers, businesspeople glued to laptops, sleepy tourists dragging suitcases. Then something-or rather, someone-caught his eye.
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No way.
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He squinted. A woman sat across the food court, cradling a bundled baby in her arms.
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"Karen?" he said aloud, rising from his seat.
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He crossed the room with a grin tugging at his lips. "Hey! Funny seeing you here."
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She looked up, blinking at first-but then her expression lit up. "Evan?"
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She shifted the baby in her arms, revealing a familiar cute face with a teddy bear hat and a hint of white gauze peeking from under it.
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"Wow," she smirked, "already in trouble? What'd you do this time?"
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He laughed. "Nothing illegal today, promise. I'm headed to Ohio."
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Karen's eyes widened. "No way-me too!"
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"That's wild," he said, genuinely surprised.
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"We're flying back home. Little Adam here's excited to see his dad-he had to stay behind for work," she added, looking down at her baby with a soft smile.
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Evan smiled back. "He looks good. I'm glad he's doing okay."
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"Thanks to you," she said, her tone more sincere now. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't stepped in that night."
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He shrugged. "You would've done the same for me. Just glad it worked out."
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As he turned to head back to his table, she reached into her coat pocket.
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"Wait-here," she said, handing him a slip of paper. "That card I gave you was my office line. This is my personal number. If you-or someone you care about-ever needs help, just reach out."
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They exchanged numbers, shared another smile, and Evan returned to his half-eaten sandwich, the unexpected reunion leaving a soft warmth in his chest.
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After finishing his meal, he made his way to the gate, scanning the rows of seats. He spotted Karen again a few rows over and gave her a friendly wave. She waved back, Kevin nestled quietly in her arms.
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The intercom buzzed.
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"Flight 227 now boarding, rows 10 through 20."
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Evan pulled out his phone.
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Evan: Heading on the plane, babe. I'll see you in a couple hours.
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Kyra: I can't waaaaait! Safe travels, mi amor. Hurry up and get here so I can squeeze you.
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As the plane lifted off, Evan leaned into the window, watching the city shrink beneath him. Buildings, cars, streets-all of it reduced to tiny moving pieces. The knot in his chest twisted tighter. Excitement for Kyra tangled with anxiety for his brother.
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They should be calling with news today... maybe tomorrow.
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He slipped in his earbuds, switched his phone to airplane mode, and closed his eyes. Calling on Angels by Train filled his ears, the soothing melody wrapping around his nerves. Slowly, his head tipped back against the seat. His breath evened out. Sleep came easy.
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Until it didn't.
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A buzz jolted his pocket.
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Frowning, he pulled his phone out. Airplane mode was on... right?
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A single message blinked on the screen-from an unknown number.
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"I warned you, Mr. Pettway."
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Evan stared at it, heart skipping.
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His jaw tightened.
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Without thinking, he typed out a reply.
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"Don't be mad 'cause I'm in Kyra's guts, motherfucker."
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He smirked bitterly, thumb hovering over send. And then-click.
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The message vanished.
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Not delivered.
Not unsent.
Gone. Completely.
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"What the hell..."
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He refreshed the screen. Nothing. The notification, the number-it had disappeared like it never existed.
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He sat there for a second, brows furrowed, trying to make sense of it.
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"...Probably just a glitch," he muttered, more to himself than anyone.
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Still, he switched airplane mode off, then on again, just to be sure.
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Sliding the phone back into his pocket, he exhaled slowly, shook off the chill crawling down his spine, and reclined once more.
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Whatever. He had better things to focus on. Like Kyra.
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He closed his eyes, letting the engine's hum and music pull him back under.
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As the plane descended, the vibrations rattled Evan awake. The captain's voice echoed overhead:
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"Welcome to Columbus. We hope you enjoyed your flight."
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A light round of applause broke out. Evan rubbed his eyes, heart already picking up speed. He grabbed his bag, joined the slow shuffle down the aisle, and stepped into the crowded terminal.
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He scanned the sea of faces, lifting his phone to call Kyra-
Until he heard it.
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That ringtone. Their song. "Me & U" by 'Cassie'
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He turned.
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There she was, hips swaying dramatically as she strutted toward him, a mischievous grin plastered across her face. "I told you I'd shake it for you, papí," she teased.
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Evan grinned wide, dropped his bag, and smacked her butt just as she twirled into his arms.
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A nearby grandma clutched her pearls and muttered, "This generation... We're doomed."
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Kyra pulled him into a deep kiss, her cherry lip gloss sweet against his mouth, her perfume wrapping around him like comfort and fire all at once.
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"I missed you so damn much," he breathed.
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"Same, baby. So much," she said, eyes glittering.
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At her car, Evan went to grab the driver's seat, but Kyra wagged a finger. "Nope. Get in, my little passenger prince. I'm driving. You're officially on vacation now."
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Chuckling, he obeyed. The moment they hit the road, she reached over and laced her fingers with his.
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"You hungry, mi amor?" she asked, giving him a playful side-eye.
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"Nah, I grabbed a sandwich before the flight."
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"Straight home it is then," she said, squeezing his hand.
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They cruised through the city, exchanging soft kisses at every red light. But eventually, Evan glanced at her, more serious now.
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"Hey... can I ask something weird?"
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Kyra raised an eyebrow. "Siempre."
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"I've been getting these creepy texts and calls. Blocked numbers. One told me not to take my flight. I thought it was your crazy ex."
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She blinked. "Ugh, that cabrón? That's impossible-he's locked up."
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Evan frowned. "You sure?"
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She scoffed. "If he is texting, he must've snuck a damn phone up his culo. Disgusting, desperate little chihuahua."
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He couldn't help but laugh.
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"But don't worry, baby," she added, her voice cooling. "If it's him... I'll find out. Ain't nobody messing with my man, ¿me entiendes? I'll handle it."
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Evan smiled, the tension in his chest easing just a little.
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Damn, he missed her.
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They pulled up to her house, grabbing his bags between stolen kisses. Inside, the scent of vanilla candles greeted him, wrapping the space in warmth.
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"Make yourself at home, cariño," Kyra said, already heading upstairs. "Let's drop your stuff off."
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In her room, Evan began unpacking. She leaned in the doorway, eyeing him.
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"Wine?"
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He nodded. "Absolutely."
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"Red or white?"
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"White."
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"Say less." With a wink, she disappeared downstairs after turning on some "You Make Me Wanna" by 'Usher'
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She returned with two glasses and a bottle in hand. They clinked glasses, the laughter easy, the tension electric.
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"So..." Kyra's voice softened, the smile fading from her lips. "Any updates on Donovan?"
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Evan shook his head, the wine glass turning slowly in his hand. "Not yet. They said today or tomorrow, but it's already late. Probably means tomorrow."
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She reached out, touching his arm. "That waiting must feel like hell."
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"Yeah," he admitted, eyes down. "It's just... every time my phone buzzes, I brace myself."
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Kyra gave his hand a light squeeze, offering comfort without words.
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"And Essiya?" she asked gently.
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"He's okay. Got a few stitches, but he's up and talking. Mostly worried about his dad, though. Keeps asking if he's gonna be okay." Evan gave a small, tired smile. "When I showed him a picture of you, he asked if you had a little sister."
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Kyra snorted. "Pfft, that little flirt. I like him already."
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Their laughter lingered for a second, just enough to cut through the weight in the room. It didn't erase anything-but it made it easier to breathe.
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"So, anything new with you?" Evan asked.
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Kyra shrugged. "Not really... oh-got new neighbors."
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"Oh yeah? Met them yet?"
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"Yeah," she said, hesitating.
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Evan raised an eyebrow. "Are they cool?"
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"I think? But they're kinda... off."
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"How so?"
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"Well, the guy says he's married, but I've never seen his wife. When I introduced myself, he asked for my middle and last name. And every time I ask for his, he just changes the subject."
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Evan's brows furrowed. "Weird."
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"And intrusive. He asks the strangest shit. Like, the other day, he asked what I thought about secret government operations."
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"What the hell?"
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"Right? Then he asked if he could camp in my backyard to stargaze because my view is clearer than his. Like dude-you live a block away. Camp in your own damn yard!"
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Evan leaned forward. "That's definitely creepy."
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"That's not even it," Kyra continued. "He once asked how I'd react if I woke up and everything had changed... and another time, he asked if I ever felt like something huge was happening right under my nose."
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Evan's voice dropped. "That's not just weird. That's calculated."
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"He hasn't done anything threatening," she said. "It's just unsettling."
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"Still," Evan said, jaw tight, "I don't like that he's making you feel watched. I'll talk to him tomorrow."
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Kyra's eyes widened. "Babe, no beef. I don't want things getting weird."
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"I'm not starting anything. We'll bring a cake. You can say you're introducing me-just so he knows there's a man in the house."
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She nodded. "Yeah... that sounds fair. Oh! He did bring me cookies once."
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Evan paused. "You ate them?"
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"Hell no!" she laughed. "I'm not trying to get roofied."
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"Good. We'll feel him out tomorrow. Man to man."
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As evening deepened, the room glowed softly, the atmosphere loosening with warmth and laughter. "All Night Long" by the Mary Jane Girls played, lacing the space with a sultry rhythm.
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Their eyes met, drawn by an invisible current until their lips connected, sparking heat. Her taste was intoxicating, their tongues dancing as hands explored with growing urgency.
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"I've wanted you for so long," Evan whispered, breath brushing her mouth.
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They undressed each other slowly until she paused, eyes gleaming. "Hold on. I have a surprise."
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She slipped away and returned wearing a sheer, form-hugging piece that stole his breath. He lifted her with ease, laying her gently on the bed, trailing kisses from her collarbone to her breasts. She gasped, legs wrapping around him, inviting him closer.
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His kisses moved lower, his mouth and fingers in perfect sync as her moans filled the room. Her hands gripped his hair, urging him on until her body trembled and broke beneath the pleasure.
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Then he flipped her softly, slipping into her warmth. Every thrust deepened their connection, her gasps matching his rhythm. As he neared his peak, he withdrew, releasing across her skin.
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Wordlessly, she knelt and returned the favor, slow and devoted, until every last breath of tension had left them.
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Afterward, tangled in the sheets, Evan stroked her hair as she lay against him. The world outside faded. In the hush of their shared warmth, only their steady breaths remained-soft, content, and whole.
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Then, suddenly-
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WHOOSH
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Followed by an ear-splitting roar and the sound of shattering earth. Light exploded into the room with a ferocity that banished shadows with a single sweep.
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"What the fuck?!" Their synchronized shout broke the fragile silence, hearts jump-started by an adrenaline surge that pulled them back from the brink of slumber.
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