The morning light crept softly into the room, painting thin golden lines across the curtains. Avery stirred, her body sore but cocooned in warmth. For a moment, she forgot. For a moment, it was just Phoebe's arms wrapped tightly around her, the rhythm of her breathing steady against Avery's back.
Avery shifted closer instinctively, pressing into the comfort she knew she was about to lose. The scent of Phoebe's hair, the familiar weight of her hand over her waist, it was everything she had loved and everything she had to let go of.
Then the sharp glow of her phone lit up on the bedside table. A vibration hummed against the wood, shattering the fragile stillness.
Avery blinked, reaching with groggy fingers. Her heart thudded when she saw the sender.
"Invitation to Interview – No. 1 Mall."
For a second, she thought it was a mistake, her injured brain playing tricks. But no—the words were real, crisp, undeniable. The opportunity she had once filed away like a forgotten receipt was standing at her door now.
Tears welled, spilling before she could stop them. She pressed her hand against her lips, muffling the sob that broke free.
Phoebe stirred, her sleepy voice soft. "Ave? What is it?"
Avery turned slightly, the phone trembling in her hand. Her voice stumbled, catching between disbelief and joy. "They… they want me. An interview. No. 1 Mall. They didn't forget me."
Phoebe's eyes softened, though tears welled there too. She brushed Avery's hair from her face. "See? You're meant for more. Even when you can't see it yourself."
Avery let out a shaky laugh, overwhelmed. She buried her face against Phoebe's chest, whispering, "Thank you, God… thank you for still giving me something to hold onto."
Phoebe kissed the top of her head, her own heart breaking. She knew this was their last morning like this. But at least Avery had something waiting a future, even if it was one without her.
That evening, the beach café was quiet, its wooden deck washed gold by the setting sun. They sat at their usual table, watching the horizon where sky and ocean kissed. The sunset had always been Avery's way of healing, but tonight the colors stung. Tonight was their last.
They sipped their drinks slowly. Phoebe talked about Jakarta and her studies, her family's expectations, the fast pace waiting for her. Avery shared her own unexpected news, still too surreal to grasp.
"When I got the text," Avery said, tracing her glass, "I couldn't believe it. Maybe… maybe this is my chance."
Phoebe reached across, squeezing her hand. "It is. You deserve this, Ave. You're finally getting something back after everything."
Avery's eyes stung. "And you're leaving. Just when I need you most."
Phoebe's voice cracked. "That's what makes it so hard. Because I want to be here. But I can't."
The sun dipped lower, painting the waves in lavender. Avery pulled out her AirPods, slipping one in her ear and offering the other to Phoebe. Their fingers brushed as Phoebe took it. Music filled the silence, soft and bittersweet.
"If we aren't together anymore," Avery whispered, eyes on the horizon, "please remember my favorite color of the sky. This one. Right now."
Phoebe's lips trembled. "And if we aren't walking together again as a couple… let's promise to take care of ourselves. See you in another life."
Their tears fell freely, mixing with fragile laughter. The song ended, but they let silence linger until the last streaks of orange faded to night.
Later, they sat in Phoebe's car, parked under the swaying shadows of palm trees. The night was thick with crickets and sea breeze. They didn't speak at first; the hum of the engine filled the space. Phoebe finally turned to her, voice low.
"I don't want this to be goodbye, but it has to be."
Avery's hands tightened in her lap. "I know."
Phoebe leaned closer, resting her forehead against Avery's. "Promise me one thing. No texts. No calls. If we reach out, we'll never move on. And you need to move on."
Avery's throat burned, but she nodded. "Okay. Then promise me something too. If we can't be lovers anymore, let's still think of each other as… sisters. Family. Someone who prays for the other, even from far away."
Phoebe smiled faintly through her tears. "Sisters. Always."
Their lips met—soft, trembling, desperate. A kiss filled with everything they couldn't say. Phoebe's hand cupped Avery's jaw, Avery's fingers tangled in her hair. For a moment, the world outside didn't exist.
When they pulled apart, breathless, Phoebe whispered, "This is our last. After tonight… we let go."
Avery wiped her cheeks, nodding. "I'll let go. But I'll never forget you."
They held each other until the silence grew unbearable, until it was time. Phoebe pressed one final kiss to Avery's scarred forehead.
"Goodbye, Ave."
"Goodbye, Phoebs."
Days later, Avery sat cross-legged on her bedroom floor, laptop glowing faintly in the dark. The interview was tomorrow. Fear clawed at her—her scars, her slowed speech, her memory gaps.
Luke knocked softly before stepping inside. "Don't even start with the what-ifs," he said, sitting beside her. "You're gonna kill this. And even if they see the scars, they'll also see your strength. Come on, let's get air, not panic."
Avery smiled weakly. "I'm scared, Luke."
"I know," he said, nudging her. "Do it scared anyway."
The next day, Avery sat before her laptop, blouse pressed neatly, hair tied back. The call connected. Faces filled the screen, questions came. Her words were slower, but her honesty carried them.
When it was over, silence stretched before the final words arrived:
"We're willing to wait for your full recovery, Miss Avery. Your first day will be September 11."
Her hand flew to her mouth. Tears spilled. She whispered a prayer through her sobs, thanking God for the second chance. Phoebe was gone, but the seed she had planted that belief in Avery was still here.
Now, it was Avery's turn to grow.