The drinking had just begun, but Sophie already felt the buzz.
She thought she must be drunk; otherwise, why would her cheeks be so hot? Why would her head feel like it was spinning, almost blank?
She didn't need to know what island he was talking about, or if the light he mentioned was the Northern Lights. Being the smart girl she was, she knew exactly what he meant.
And because she knew, she felt so panicked. It was like a bullet had pierced her heart, unavoidable.
Everyone, when they grow up, shoots a bullet at the world. And that bullet always comes back from the world when you least expect it, piercing your heart.
Maybe it's when you're crossing the street. Maybe it's when you look up and see a flock of white doves flying towards the horizon. Or maybe... there's no maybe. It's right now.
Sophie watched Sam pick up his beer can and smile, "Cheers."
