a P

til late. I found myself growing accustomed to their absence, to the quiet solitude of the house. I no longer ca

smates handed me a drink, a fruity concoction that I barely tasted. This was

lway, needing air. Through the glass wall of the banquet room, I could see Cole. He

ersation from inside the room. "Can you believe Cole's engaged?

. "Cora is an adult now. Her af

to myself. "Yes. I am an adult. And

face in the restroom. When I emerged, slightly steadier, I collided with him. Cole. He was l

broke the tension. She appeared from around the corner, her ar

gracing his lips. He kissed her forehead tenderly, then swept h

t. It felt like an eternity. A classmate walked up

g my eyes. "No, just go

u forever. He was so good to you. Remember how he always said yo

both have our own lives now," I said, the words tas

two would... you know. He always seemed li

Maybe some bonds are just destined to be temporary.

d Isabela were waiting by a sleek black car. Cole's jaw was tight. "Cora,

ides," she turned to me, a syrupy smile on her face, "you have Cole to protect you now,

r door for Isabela, holding the umbrella over her. The umbrella tilted, sh

the umbrella so I wouldn't get a single drop on me. "You're

. I looked up at the sky, letting the rain wash over my face. I was no longer his delicat