Shirley was so caught up in her nostalgia that she failed to notice the growing discomfort on Abner's face. By the time she realized it, he had already let go of her hand and was making his way towards the exit. "Abner?" she called out, snapping back to reality, but Abner only quickened his pace and soon disappeared through the front door.

Shirley hurried to follow him. "Abner!" she shouted, but just as she took a step, Mark grabbed her wrist.

"Shirley, does this mean you agree?" he asked.

Shirley shook off his grip, her brows furrowed. "Agree to what?”

"To get back together."

"I didn't agree to anything. I just think you're right about one thing-high school was great. But we're college graduates now; we can't live in the past forever."

With that, she took off in the direction Abner had gone. It was her oversight. She had noticed his unease, how the presence of her father, and especially Mark, seemed to trigger feelings of abandonment in Abner.

as if he had made some significant, unsettling decision. Shirley got into her car and tried calling Abner, but he didn't pick up. That kid, showing a bit of temper now. She drove around but couldn't find any trace of Abner. She searched till midnight and, not finding him, headed back to her apartment complex in defeat.

heart. After all, he had been so dedicated at school, it was unlikely he made many

but at that moment, she

rubbing her temples. "Abner, are you worried that if Mark and I got back together, I'd neglect

getting back together' seemed to lift his spirits instantly. Shirley

help but feel a mix of amusement

Abner followed her, his voice filled with a newfound hope as he asked,

don't run off without

felt a sense of accomplishment. She preferred this

list of reminders with him. After all, she was leaving the country the next morning for two months. By the time she returned, he'd be starting his

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255