Under the Stars .The Ending
378 Words
Chapter 10
The knock wasn’t angry.
It was careful.
“Ms. Reyes? Mr. Whitmore? Can we talk for a minute?”
Adrian opened the door. Two local officers. And behind them, Daniel from Lina’s board.
Lina’s stomach dropped.
Ten minutes later the motel room felt too small. Coffee cups, pasta on the floor, the paper crown from the pier on the dresser.
“We got calls you were missing,” the officer said. “Family’s concerned.”
Daniel stepped forward. “Lina. Come home. We can fix this quietly.”
Lina looked at Adrian. Then at Daniel.
“I’m not missing,” she said. “I’m choosing.”
“And if you don’t come back, you’re terminated,” Daniel said.
Lina nodded. “Okay.”
Just like that.
She walked away from the foundation. From the gala. From the board.
The officers left. Daniel left.
Silence.
Adrian exhaled and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m sorry I brought this to you,” he whispered.
“You didn’t,” Lina said into his chest. “The world did. We just walked into it together.”
They stayed in Grey Harbor one more night. No phones. No plans.
Just pancakes, the beach, and sleeping on two beds pushed together.
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*Six Months Later*
The Reyes-Whitmore Fund opened in a basement above a bookstore.
Rent: $400.
Staff: 2.
Mission: Help families with sick kids. No galas. No suits.
First donation: $50.
Note: _“For the girl who talked about stars.”_
Adrian framed it.
They were broke. They were tired. They were happy.
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*Epilogue: One Year Later*
Roof. Same building as the gala.
But different.
No dress. No tux.
Just jeans, hoodies, and a blanket.
The sky was clear.
Stars everywhere.
Lina leaned her head on Adrian’s shoulder.
“Do you think she sees this?” she asked.
Adrian laced his fingers through hers. “I think she’s the one who put them there.”
No board. No press. No last names.
Just them.
And above them, proof that fate exists.
A shooting star cut across the sky.
Lina smiled. “Breadcrumb found.”
Adrian kissed her temple. “Save me one for tomorrow.”
The city hummed below.
But up here, it was quiet.
*The End*
- Writer
