Return chaos
348 Words
CHAPTER 2
The plane’s wheels kiss the runway, and it feels like my ribs tighten around my lungs. Three years away, yet the air still smells the same—sharp with possibility, heavy with memories I don’t dare unpack.
“Elise!”
I spot Gio weaving through the crowd like he’s in a movie chase scene, except his weapon is a goofy grin and flailing arms. People actually turn to look.
“You’re late,” I tell him.
“You’re early,” he fires back, snatching my suitcase like it’s a prize he won. “The city’s been moody without you. I’ve been singing lullabies to skyscrapers.”
I roll my eyes, but the corners of my mouth betray me.
The ride is pure Gio—windows down, playlist swinging wildly from ‘80s rock to cheesy ballads, his running commentary on every single person we pass. At one point, he insists a street dog winked at him.
“You’re still ridiculous,” I say.
“Consistent,” he corrects. “That’s the mark of quality.”
Instead of the office, he takes me to his apartment—cozy chaos, a lingering scent of popcorn and coffee. He tosses me a soda, rips open chips, and collapses into the couch like a king on his throne.
“So,” he says, leaning in like it’s classified intel, “you gonna accept the offer?”
“I’m… thinking.”
He groans. “Thinking is my arch-nemesis. It steals my celebration time.”
“Then maybe I should drag it out for weeks.”
We volley quips back and forth until the laughter drifts into a softer quiet.
“You okay?” he asks, almost too gently.
I exhale slowly. “I think so. Maybe.”
He nudges my shoulder. “Good enough for me.”
The night stretches into more chatter—ridiculous stories, shared snacks, Gio doing impressions of mutual friends. By the time I leave, the heaviness in my chest has shifted. Not gone, but lighter. Home isn’t a place yet, but it’s starting to feel possible.
- Writer
