That bracelet… Ethan hadn't thought about it in years.
Lyla had given it to him during their time in the hospital together. He'd been six years old then and had treated it as his most cherished possession ever since.
But today, seeing Jade Taylor again, the memory of the bracelet resurfaced, sharp and unexpected.
After reuniting with Lyla, she hadn't mentioned it, perhaps because she'd forgotten about it entirely.
---
"Ethan, I heard you were looking for me after graduation? What for? Still can't let go after all these years?" Jade's voice was sharp, each word slicing through the air. "I told you back in high school, don't waste your time chasing after me. Just look at you, a broke loser trying to hit the gym. Where'd you even scrounge up the money for this? Found it in a trash can?"
She scoffed, ignoring the crumpled bills Ethan had placed on the counter. Her questions came rapid-fire, giving him no chance to respond.
