He stepped closer, pulling me into his arms before I could move away. “That’s good,” he murmured. “You should smile more. Don’t stay sad all the time. I’m here, okay? I’ll always be here for you.”
Always.
I gently pulled back, avoiding his hold. “I’m fine,” I said softly.
He looked at me for a second, something uneasy flashing in his eyes. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Alright. Let’s go home.”
On the way back, he kept glancing at me.
“Are you really okay?” he asked again. “You’ve been quiet. If something’s bothering you, just tell me. You don’t have to keep everything to yourself.”
I looked out the window. “There’s nothing to say.”
He frowned slightly, then reached out like he wanted to hold my hand.
Before he could—
“Watch out!” Chiara suddenly screamed.
Everything happened too fast. A massive black SUV came out of nowhere, crashing straight into us. A loud bang exploded in my ears. And then everything flipped.
…
I had a dream. A long one. Too real. Too painful.
I went back to five years ago… the first time I met him. I could still see back then. I used to love going out alone, exploring pack borders, climbing mountains like nothing could ever touch me.