Epilogue
Mary
Three months later
The aroma of burning wood, mixed with the sounds of laughter and easy conversation, fills the air. It’s one of those laid-back evenings when anxieties vanish into the flickering light and time feels like it’s slowing down.
The crackling fire casts a warm glow over our faces as we all sit together.
Being surrounded by the people who mean the most to me fills my heart with love.
After everything happened, I decided not to leave town after all.
However, I did start talking to a therapist once a week, and it’s been helping.
I’ve had fewer nightmares since Seb hasn’t left my side, and my panic attacks are starting to come fewer and further between.
I place my hands on the ground behind me as I lean back, feeling the coolness of the grass against my palms. The flames dance in front of us, seemingly eager to take part in our gathering.
In the dark, shadows move across our faces, making us look cunning and mysterious as a group—and I guess we are.
The things we’ve all been through are more than the average young adult typically experiences.
Without each other, I don’t know where we would be.
But I’m happy I have this fantastic group of friends who will do whatever they can to protect me and each other.
As my eyes close, I sit forward, wrapping my arms around my legs for just a moment before a strong set of arms wraps around me from behind. Contentment washes over me like a cloud, and I smile as Seb’s nose runs along my neck, leaving a trail of kisses.
“I love you, Rebel,” he whispers into my ear.
“I love you, Seb.”
Taking in the sight of my friends, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These are the people who have known me at my best and at my worst, who have celebrated my victories, and who have supported me through my difficulties.
Tate and Damon sit to my left, Tate’s contagious giggle and radiant smile on full display. We all bend over with laughter as she tells a funny story, throwing her head back and letting her long hair fall down her back.
Ace and Roman crowd Maddie, the three of them talking in hushed tones, smiles plastered across their faces. I turn my focus back to the fire, watching embers drift up into the starry night.
I couldn’t wish for anything better than this—my closest friends, laughter, stories. I don’t need anything else to feel a strong sense of belonging and contentment. Just this fire and this group of people.
We continue to share laughter and make memories.
“Are you scared?” I ask Seb.
“What does the future hold for everyone?” He doesn’t answer me right away.
“No. I know anything that’s thrown at us, we can handle it.” A smile creeps up onto my face at his response. It’s true.
We are invincible together.
So, as we sit here, laughing and enjoying our time together, we crush the ashes of the people we once were.
The End