The night air carried a chill as Kolton spoke softly from beside his car. "Have a good night, Kimi."
Kimi ducked her head and walked toward the front entrance of her family home. Her steps felt heavier with each stride, the weight of everything that had transpired between them still settling in her chest.
Halfway to the door, she paused next to Alvin, who had been waiting outside like a sentinel.
Alvin stopped moving and fixed his gaze on his sister. The concern in his eyes was unmistakable.
Kimi looked up at him with an expression that begged for understanding.
"I'm sorry, Alvin. I know you worry about me. You must have been terrified when you couldn't reach me. But I had no choice."
She hesitated, stealing a glance back at Kolton, who remained leaning casually against his vehicle, watching them both.
Turning back to Alvin, she continued with quiet determination.
"I had to go to him. There were things that couldn't wait any longer."
