His eyes are intense, unwavering as they lock onto mine. “If getting close means putting you in danger,

then yes. We have to let it go. I’m sorry, Abby.”

I exhale, a shuddering breath that does nothing to quell the turmoil inside me.

The tension between us could be sliced with a knife. Part of me considers letting Karl win this round. But I

can’t let this go. I just can’t.

Instead, I reach into my bag and pull out a crumpled piece of paper, holding it up in front of him. It’s waterstained and a little tattered, but clearly a hand-drawn map.

“Recognize this?” I ask, my voice filled with a challenge.

Karl’s eyes widen, and for a moment, he’s the one who looks like he’s seen a ghost. “You pickpocketed

me? Last night, when I came in here soaking wet?”

Enter title…

victory and trepidation.

sticking out of his pocket with

into my own pocket,

course I did. I saw this map sticking out of your pocket, soaking wet. Thought it might

disbelief, half in

tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Especially not

at me, realizing there’s no way he’s going to

go, aren’t you?

eyes not leaving his. “I have to try, Karl. I can’t let this slip

I can almost see the gears turning in his

of my dreams against

a deep breath, as though mustering the courage he needs for what he’s about to

one last time, as if making sure this is

going, I’m going with you. There’s

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