Chapter 31
Marina
The bus ride back down south is less glamorous than soaring through the sky in the arms of a winged stranger or jumping through a magical portal.
But without my car, it’s the best option.
The beads of my bracelet slide on my wrist as I fidget, spinning them around and around as if the repetitive motion will make the hours go by faster.
I scrawl words into my notebook, listen to music on my headphones until the Bluetooth dies, then sit in silence as most of the passengers fall asleep. The sky is dark and filled with stars, but there’s no comfort looking at it.
Not when Gil isn’t looking at the same sky.
Gil, who wouldn’t have forgotten me.
Gil, who waited for such a long time.
Gil, who I couldn’t manage to say “I love you” to.
Tonight, I’ll change that—er, tomorrow by the time I get back to him.
My heart races through several silent hours, bus changes, and rest stops.
Knowing Gil, it’s possible that he’s found his glamour, and at the same time I’m racing to him, he’s found his way to Grams’ retirement home.
I can picture him charming every single old lady on the premises.
Despite telling him not to come find me, he might have. And if Grams is the one who has to send him back to his house to find me, well at least then they will have met.
After hours, I step off the bus and it’s as if I never left.
The steamy air hits me as I race back onto the grounds; my car thankfully hasn’t been towed and sits in the parking lot as if no time has passed, without so much as a parking ticket.
Camp Mangrove, however, is less untouched.
A large “No Trespassing” sign stands in my way, and it appears Gil and I weren’t as careful as we thought.
Still, I slip past it with ease, swimming out to the old camp without bothering to grab a boat; it’s reckless, but I’m closer and closer to the portal with every stroke. Gil came to my world every single year—he kept his promise.
I won’t make him wait any longer until I keep mine.
The charm still works; I knew it would. I swim deeper, looking for the glow of the portal and although it still aids me in breathing underwater, the hum of magic is different now.
Weaker.
Like I’m standing on the steps of a house, but the porch light is off, and doors are slammed closed.
I get out of the water, pacing the length of the shoreline.
Checking my phone, I refresh the newly downloaded social media apps where I found, and DM’d, Heather’s mom, hoping to be able to get in touch with her.
Considering the woman has over two million followers, and the fact that I probably look like a spam account, it’s a long shot, but it’s the only idea I have.
Still, there’s nothing in my inbox besides a welcome message from the app.
Without any other leads, I dive into the water once more. I’ll stay out here as long as it takes.
The drawing Grams found of us is tucked in the pocket of my UV hoodie, safe and next to my heart. I wanted to show it to him. It’s proof that he’s not the only one who remembered.
Holding out my bracelet, I wade deeper into the water once more, steadying my breath as I focus on the memories of Gil’s house.
The fireflies that danced in the air.
The sound of the water hitting the dock.
Clawrece thudding her tail on the wooden floors.
Gil’s smile.
Closing my eyes, I hum the music that filled my heart at the festival of The Four Sisters.
“Take me home.” I whisper into the water. “Please.”
Light skims across the springs, glittering like a million diamonds until it lands on me. A laugh that’s half sob escapes my throat, as I ready myself then—
“What are you doing out there?” A voice yells out—I look towards the shore and notice the shadow of the park ranger—and this time he’s not alone.