*Ashley*
The plane hums softly around us as I try to collect my thoughts. Lucas sits next to me, his presence both comforting and unsettling. I can still feel the weight of our conversation hanging in the air, but as we cruise toward New York, I also sense a shift between us. A tentative hope flickers inside me, battling against my doubts.
Lucas glances at me, and for a moment, I catch a glimpse of something… someone that reminds me of the Lucas I spent a winter holiday with. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice low.
I nod, forcing a smile. “Just… thinking.” My heart races as we near the city, the anticipation mixing with anxiety. I glance down the aisle where Alexander is sitting, drawing on the iPad Lucas gave him earlier. He’s focused, lost in his own little world, and it makes my hear
