Page 70 of Our Little Moments

I smile at him. “Yeah. We won’t underestimate them again, that’s for sure.”

He pushes forward, still trying to free his kayak. “Yeah. That’s for sure.”

I turn back at the finish line and I can’t help thinking of Stella.

She’s never been as powerless as she thinks.

Chapter 27

Adrian

Iget up before the sunrise, as always, and I’m careful to avoid waking Jay up as I leave for the spot I found at the cliffs.

When I’m feeling troubled or the grief hits too hard, I always look for the sunrise. The spot I found on our first day here has a fantastic view of it and I keep going back.

This morning, though, it’s not because I’m feeling emotional, but because Stella’s shown up twice. If she shows up again, I don’t want her to feel alone.

Right. Keep lying to yourself. You know there’s more to it.

Sighing, I keep walking through the forest, making my way to our spot.

Our spot.The place that’s just for Stella and me. The place where I know it will all be okay, the place where it’s impossible to feel alone. The cliff is far from the cabins, leaving plenty of quiet and space to recover.

My safe place.

I watch in silence as the sky paints itself with light colors.

It’s been my go-to coping mechanism since our parents died. Watching the sunrise has always been the reminder that life moves forward, so I can too.

But no matter how hard I try, I still feel stuck. Though the sunrise feeds my delusions, leaving me with hope that I can move forward over time.

Footsteps come from behind me and I can’t help the wide grin from overtaking my face.

Stella. She came again.

“Hi,” she says softly, as she sits beside me.

“Hi. I didn’t know you’d show up.”

Stella smiles and it’s more blinding than the rising sun. “Of course I did.”

I don’t know what comes over me. Maybe it’s the joy of having her come when I didn’t think she would, maybe it’s the familiar hope that the sunrise brings, maybe it’s this trip . . .

“Come on, let’s try something.”

Stella giggles. “Right now?”

“That’s my point. Let’s go.”

I extend my hand to her as I get up.

Her eyes, so full of life, shine with trust and playfulness.

God, she has gorgeous eyes.

Her smile widens as she takes my hand and I help her up. I don’t let go of her hand as we start walking through the forest. I like the feel of Stella Brookstone’s hand in mine too much.

Stella

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