Evelyn didn't fight the current, letting the river's cold embrace pull her under.
Memories flickered like a fading reel—moments of joy, pain, betrayal. If she could do it all over, she'd never choose them again.
With a faint smile, she closed her eyes and never opened them again.
Meanwhile, at her birthday gathering.
Elliot and Ryan stared at the phone, its call abruptly ended, a gnawing unease settling in their chests.
They exchanged a glance, and Elliot spoke first, voice tight. "Evelyn's okay, right? She's not in trouble?"
Ryan clutched his phone, his words half to himself, half to Elliot. "What could be wrong? She treasures us. Probably just wants us to chase after her."
Lena sauntered over, her face the picture of innocence. "Is Evelyn not coming? Does she hate me?"
George and
