Ayla
I snapped back to the present with a strange feeling like I’d just woken up from a long dream that felt way too real. Professor Lurentz’s office suddenly felt smaller than before, even though nothing had changed. Tall bookshelves, the bitter smell of coffee gone cold, and late-afternoon light slanting in through the large window.
My eyes landed on the face in front of me. A young business professor, probably around the same age as Rhett.
“Matt,” I murmured without thinking.
He froze for half a second, then smiled softly. The same smile. The one I used to see in hospital hallways, when he tried to look strong for his little sister.
“It’s been a long time, Ayla,” he said gently.
Something warm spread through my chest in a way I couldn’t explain. I never imagined I’d see him again.
