Peri's words shattered Katelynn's fragile calm, like an uninvited guest barging in.
"Peri, what did you say?"
"I misspoke earlier. It's not about coming back; it's Lieselotte. She's in trouble," Peri's voice trembled slightly. "I don't have all the details, but I need some time before I can return." With that, the call ended, leaving Katelynn with a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.
Though her heart raced, Katelynn understood the importance of time—she didn't want her mind consumed by love, especially after the chaos of recent days. She longed for peace, for clarity.
Turning her gaze to the ferry in the harbor, Katelynn rested her weight against the railing. The sea breeze tousled her hair, and distant lights twinkled on the horizon, as if whispering secrets just out of reach. She felt the weight of uncertainty settle over her; she had come here to escape—to run from her feelings, to evade her past. But what good was running?
