Page 59 of Before Dawn

I reached for my phone to share the update with Sapphire, but before I could, my pocket buzzed.

I glanced down.

Abigail.

An involuntary smile tugged at my lips.

Her text was brief—letting me know she’d be unavailable today because of a family trip and packing—but it meant more than she probably realized. She didn’t have to tell me. But she did.

I exhaled, leaning against the cool marble wall. The sharp focus of the boardroom was already softening, shifting into something else entirely. She lingered in my thoughts like an unshakable presence. And I was completely at peace with that.

Chapter Thirteen

Abigail-Ann

“Love is the bridge between you and everything.”

~ Rumi

Inever truly considered what moving meant. I was starting over in a new city, away from my parents and sister, and I knew I’d miss our late-night talks, Mom’s lasagna, and the comfort of having family nearby. I would miss San Francisco and the familiarity it brought, but I knew I had to keep moving forward.

You’d think my years with Joshua would haunt me, but my thoughts were consumed by Mikkel instead. His words made me feel alive and understood, like he knew exactly what I needed to hear. Conversations with him were effortless, as if we’d known each other forever. His small gestures made me smile, and his genuine interest in my passions surprised me—especially when I found out he was a true Lana fan, not just name-dropping her for the sake offlirting.

When I shared thatBorn to Diewas my comfort album, he texted, “Same here. EspeciallyVideo Games. It’s like living in a memory that’s both beautiful and painful.” Then, I joked aboutNorman Fucking Rockwell!being my study music, and he sent a breakdown of whyVenice Bitchwas the perfect escape. His thoughtful responses kept me hooked, but the sound of the movers closing the truck doors snapped me back. They finished loading and waved goodbye, the delay caused by Mom repacking everything after criticizing our packing—typical Alicia.I took a deep breath and made my way to the back patio, where my family was waiting.

“Sweetheart,” Mom’s voice was gentle, a soft smile touching her lips as she patted the space beside her. “The movers finished?”

I nodded, exhaling as I sank onto the couch. “They just left.”

“Perfect. We need to talk.”

A knot formed in my stomach. “What’s up?”

“You’re moving, and we need to know you have a plan. If not, we’ll help make one.”

I nodded again, trying to ignore the creeping anxiety. “I mean, I plan to get a job, but right now, I’m focused on getting everything moved first. Then graduation.”

“What kind of work are you thinking about?” Dad’s voice was calm, but concern lingered beneath it. He clasped his hands together, leaning forward.

Before I could answer, Aurora chimed in, her voice full of certainty. “She’s going to work in a bookstore. I called a friend at Book Culture—they need staff, so I recommended Abi.”

I blinked, warmth spreading in my chest. Time and time again, Aurora had my back without me even asking. She made life feel easier, like I wasn’t constantly scrambling to figure it all out alone. I turned to her, mouthing a silent “Thank you.”

She winked in response, as if to say,Always.

“Perfect. And after the degree?”

“Pops,” Aurora interjected, firm but affectionate. “Don’t pressure her. When she graduates, things will fall into place.”

Dad’s shoulders loosened slightly, but the worry didn’t fully fade. “I just need to know she’ll be okay.”

I met his gaze, hoping to ease his concerns. “After graduation, I’ll apply for apprenticeships and focus on building my career.”

He nodded, satisfied, but not before asking, “Speaking of graduation—your fees are settled, right?”

“Yes, Dad.”

Without another word, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to me. Inside was a bank card.

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