Chapter 9
Five Years Ago
Five years earlier, Amara believed forever was a place.
She believed you could arrive there with the right person and simply stay.
It was a Saturday morning in Willow Creek, and the town was still waking.
Sunlight spilled through the curtains of Amara's bedroom, drawing pale gold lines across the floor. Somewhere downstairs, her mother was arguing with the radio while frying something that smelled like cinnamon and butter.
Amara smiled into her pillow.
Her phone buzzed.
Ethan: Come outside.
She frowned.
Another message appeared.
Ethan: Now.
Amara rolled her eyes.
Amara: Good morning to you too.
Three dots appeared.
Ethan: Good morning. Come outside.
She laughed.
Amara: Why?
His reply came immediately.
Ethan: Because I'm standing outside your hous
