Page 110 of Meet Me in the Valley
As if his words couldn’t be more true. Things aren’t the same, but talking to Logan again feels like stepping into sunlight after too long in the dark. Everything around us has shifted, but something at the center remains untouched.
It’s not love in the cinematic sense—no sweeping scores or dramatic decelerations. It’s love that was grown, not declared.
Sacred.
Steeped in reverence, like something ancient we stumbled into without knowing its worth until now. Time only proves what I’ve always known deep down. We’re tethered by something rare, even when everything around us unraveled.
I type, hesitate, then erase. Type again. I hit send before I can overthink it.
Tia
Tell me I’m stupid for letting us go.
His response is immediate.
Logan
I’ll never tell you that because you’re not. Far from it.
Logan
We’ll get there, T.
Tia
When?
Regret sits heavy in my bones as I replay our last night together—the certainty in my voice, the conviction that this time apart was necessary. And the way his face fell when I said it was what we needed.
All this time apart, and I’m still wondering if I’ve even grown? Changed? Or have I just used my mom’s sickness as a safe excuse?
But what am I really avoiding?
I moved back home. I’m showing up for my family. I’m doing the right thing, being the dutiful, selfless daughter. I shelved my career, packed up my life in Texas, let it all go. I tell myself I came back to Oakwood Valley because I wanted to. Even if Mom wasn’t sick, I would’ve ended up here … eventually.
I think.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to calm the surge of loss I can’t quite name. Loss of direction. Loss of identity. Loss of the version of me who knew exactly what she wanted.
I should feel purpose in all this. Helping my mom, helping my dad—that should be enough.
Itisenough. Isn’t it?
I listened to Professor Silva’s mantra like it was a beacon to a silver lining in my fast crumbling world. Submitting to myself? That’s the point. Letting go of control.
But fuck, isn’t that what I’m doing? I chose to protect my friendship with Logan—the one thing on earth I have to hold tight and keep selfishly for myself, even if I couldn’t have him in the way I truly want.
So why do I feel so fucking empty?
Logan
You’ll know when.
I curl into bed, pulling my knees to my chest, the glow of my phone inches from my face. I read his message over and over until the words blur behind tears I’m too tired to wipe away.
You’ll know when.
Will I?
