I found myself standing in front of Aly's house the next day, with my stomach tied up in knots. Even though it seemed like she had forgiven me, I knew I had caused a rift between us. I knew my reasons for leaving were justified, but I couldn't erase the pain I had caused in my absence. Just as I had the right to leave, she had the right to be upset. We all knew it was risky to tell Aly the whole truth, but I wanted to trust her. I wanted to make an extra effort for her. As I waited for Aly to come to the door, every passing second made the knot in my stomach grow tighter. Despite my feelings of cowardice, I knew I belonged here. I could feel my heart singing in this pack, how comfortable I felt in this town and with these people. Someday, I reminded myself, these people would be mine.
Aly
