Nicole
I found myself in a space encircled by darkness. “Nicole,” a voice whispered.
Zach. That was all I could think of as my eyes fluttered open. The voice marched straight to his face—it was him.
A kiss landed lightly on my cheek. His lips hovered just inches away, and I instinctively lifted my hands to feel where he had just touched me, to confirm it was real.
Opening my eyes, I saw him smiling right before me. For a moment, I wasn’t sure this was real.
“Are you real?” I whispered, not wanting to wake from what felt like a dream. Relief and disbelief tangled in my chest.
“I’m right here with you, Nicole. Of course I’m real,” he replied, kissing my cheek again.
“What… what happened?” I jolted upright. “How are you here? What’s going on?” I scrambled to my feet, heart racing.
“C
