Page 46 of Letters to the Lost

Sebastian

Autumn has been heartbroken for the past week; she’s tried her hardest to stay upbeat, but I can see the sadness cloud her eyes when she thinks we aren’t looking.

Deciding to put my apology plan into motion in an attempt to cheer her up, I make a plan in my head as I grab Parzival’s leash and get him ready to go for a quick car journey before we pick her up from college. Opening the passenger door for him to climb up into the SUV, he clambers in as his excited barks nearly deafen me as I clip his harness into the seatbelt clip to keep him safe.

“Are you ready to surprise Autumn, big guy?” I coo at the dog and watch as his tongue lolls out the side of his mouth, his tail thumping aggressively against the window, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Driving to Walmart gives me time to think about how best to execute this. I want to surprise her, and I hope she loves what I’m planning.

Leaving Parzival in the car with the window cracked since it’s cool enough in November to not worry about him overheating.

“Blankets, I need blankets,” I mutter to myself as I walk down the aisles, looking for everything I need.

Finally finding the blankets, I chose two different ones. A red and white plaid sherpa throw and a black fluffy one. Bundling them both into the basket I’m carrying, I make my way to the candy aisle next.

After searching for the perfect candy for us, I settle on Almond Joys for Autumn, Kit-Kats for me and some Sour Patch Kids to share with plans to grab popcorn and drinks while we are there.

Pulling up outside of the college, I pull out my phone and send a message to Zander.

Me

2:50 PMCan you take Parzival for tonight?

Zander

Sure. Are you outside?2:50 PM

Me

Yeah, in the parking lot. I’m trying

2:51 PMto surprise Autumn for my apology.

Zander

Shit. I need to start

planning mine. 2:53 PM

Before I can reply to his message, Zander’s tall frame exits the double doors, his brow furrowed in frustration as he looks down at his phone.

Jumping out of the car, I lean against the hood and wait for Zander to get to me.

“Any ideas on what you are going to do?” I ask him when he gets to me.

“No fucking idea. She surprised me with Snickerdoodle cookies today and they were honestly so fucking good. I demolished the whole box.”

“She can bake?” I ask incredulously.

Autumn hasn’t been in the kitchen since she moved in unless she was helping Mrs. McKay or getting a snack, so to hear she can bake well enough that Zander has no complaints is a shock.

“She can fucking bake. I want her recipes,” He groans.

“Maybe she’ll give you them if you ask her nicely,” I say as I clap him on the shoulder sympathetically.

Autumn appears behind him, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief.

“You’ll never get those recipes from me,” Autumn says, attempting to wrap her arms around his waist from behind as he startles at her sudden appearance.

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