Chapter 5 Aurora
CHAPTER FIVE
Aurora
I finally open the letter. The one Evie wrote for me.
I’ve been putting it off for almost two weeks now, ever since I got here. Not because I didn’t want to know what she’d said, but because I knew it would change things. The timing just never felt right. But now? The moment’s here, and I can’t avoid it any longer.
I settle back on the bed, holding the letter carefully in my hands like it might break apart at any second. Her handwriting is a little shaky, as if she wrote this on a bad day or when she was tired. It’s almost like she’s still here, talking to me.
I take a breath.
My dearest Rory,
I know you’re going to read this when you’re ready, and I hope that’s soon because it’s been hard to watch you struggle.
You always took care of everyone else, but I see how you’ve been carrying too much, my girl.
You’re burnt out, and I can feel it. I don’t think you’ll ever admit it, but I know you better than anyone. I always did.
I didn’t want to leave you with that burden.
But I also knew you needed something bigger than the small life you’ve been living.
That’s why I’m writing this. I need you to know that what you’ve been searching for…
it’s out there. But it’s not going to come to you on its own. You have to go out and find it.
That’s why I left you the money. I know you’ll wonder why I didn’t just give it to you when I was alive, but there’s a reason.
I knew if I offered it while I was alive, you’d refuse it or spend it on everyone else.
I wanted you to take it, but I needed you to do it for yourself.
Not because you feel obligated to carry me or my memories.
But because you deserve more than what you’ve been settling for.
This world is bigger than you think. I’ve seen it, and I know you can, too.
I always came back to Coyote Glen whenever life grew too heavy.
It was where I went when things hurt, when I was lost, when I needed to remember myself again.
I couldn’t have gotten through those years without this town.
I came here for peace, for solace. And I want you to find that, too.
This town isn’t just a pretty place. It’s where I survived.
So, when you’re ready, I want you to really see Coyote Glen. I want you to understand it the way I did. You don’t have to stay, but you do need to see it. You need to understand why this town, this place, has always held a special place in my heart. Maybe you’ll find something here, too.
I’m proud of you, Rory. Always have been. Don’t let your life slip away while you’re taking care of everyone else. It’s your time now. Go live.
Love, Evie
I sit there for a long moment after reading her letter, Evie’s words sinking in. She knew me better than I ever gave her credit for. I wasn’t living, I was surviving in the city. And she was right to point it out. Now, I need to stop running. I have to make a change.
I can’t keep going through the motions. It’s time to stop hiding behind my grief and start figuring out what I really want.
Tears sting my eyes before I can stop them. I let them come, feel them slip down my cheeks because what else am I supposed to do? I cry for her. For me. For the life I didn’t let myself live.
I’m angry at myself for not knowing how much Evie was struggling, for not being there in the ways I should have. But then I remember that she didn’t want me to feel responsible for her, not like I have for everyone else in my life.
And it hits me that she wasn’t just giving me permission to let go. She was giving me permission to live.
But how? How do you go from just surviving to living? How do I just start living the life I should have been living all this time?
And what now? I’ve been running away from everything. From my life, from the job that drained me, from the heartbreaks that left me jaded. I’ve been traveling, but for what? To find what exactly? I don’t have answers. I don’t even know where to begin.
And then I think of Finn. And how wild that night was, how he made me feel alive in a way I haven’t felt in… ever. But it wasn’t real. He was a distraction. He was never supposed to be the answer.
And Zane.
Zane was nothing but sweet to me. So patient. So calm. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t push, doesn’t try to fix everything, but makes you feel safe anyway. And that… I don't know what to do with that.
I wipe my eyes and take a deep breath, pushing past the flood of emotions. Evie would never want me to get stuck in grief. I’m here for a reason, and maybe it’s time to start finding out what that is. I’ll start by seeing more of the town. Really seeing it, like she wanted me to.
I fold the letter carefully, tucking it away in my bag.
I don’t know what’s next. But I do know that I’m going to figure it out. And I’m going to do it for me. For Evie. For the woman who spent her life taking care of others, and in the end, reminded me to take care of myself.
I need to clear my head.
The only way I know to do that is to get some fresh air.
I grab my jacket, pull on my boots, and step outside.
The cool breeze hits my face, almost enough to shake me out of my thoughts.
The town is quiet, but there’s a softness to it.
The streets are lined with small houses, the mountains framing everything like they’re watching over it.
I walk down the main street, hoping the rhythm of my footsteps will help me figure out what to do with everything I’m feeling right now. I know I need to make a decision. I can’t just keep running. But running feels safe. Running keeps me from facing whatever I’m really afraid of.
As I’m walking, I hear the rumble of a motorcycle, and before I can even look up, I hear a loud, overly enthusiastic voice.
“Aurora!”
I freeze. Of course. I shouldn’t be surprised. Finn. What a whirlwind.
I look up just in time to see him pull into view, the sun catching the glint of his bike.
He’s grinning like a madman, sunglasses perched on his nose, a carefree look about him that makes me feel both at ease and a little rattled.
He parks the bike right in front of me, pushing up his sunglasses with the crook of his finger as he swings his leg over.
Goddamn, he suits a bike…
“Didn’t expect to see you out here,” he says, the flirty lilt in his voice unmistakable. “Wandering around on your own? Don’t you know this town’s got a reputation for getting into people’s business?”
I laugh despite myself, shaking my head. “I’m just trying to clear my head. Didn’t realize I was being so obvious.”
“Oh, you’re not obvious. I’m just really good at picking up on anything that stands out. And you stand out.” He flashes me a grin that makes my pulse do a little skip.
“Finn,” I say, trying not to smile, but failing. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” he says, with a wink. “But… since I’m already here, how about I take you for a coffee? Maybe a little cake? I think you deserve it after all that thinking you’ve been doing.”
It’s almost impossible to say no to him. His energy is contagious, and it feels like maybe it’s okay to just relax. To stop thinking for a minute. I nod before I even realize I’ve made the decision.
“Fine. Coffee and cake sound good,” I say, and I’m not sure if I’m saying it because I need the distraction or because his presence is already making everything feel a little less intense.
Finn’s grin widens, clearly pleased with himself. “Good choice. I know just the place.”
We walk side by side, talking easily as we make our way toward the bakery. Finn’s chatter is lighthearted, full of jokes and stories that keep me laughing in spite of everything swirling inside me. It feels good to just… laugh.
As we approach the little bakery, I catch the faint scent of cinnamon and sugar. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until now. Finn opens the door for me, and I walk in with him close behind, the warmth from the oven hitting me immediately.
“You’re going to love this place,” Finn says, as we both stand in front of the display case.
The glass is full of rich cakes, flaky pastries, and golden croissants. I can already tell this is one of those bakeries where the food practically calls out to you. It’s cozy, homey, and the people behind the counter seem to know Finn well.
“Two coffees, please. And…” Finn looks at me, his grin widening, “What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to cake?”
I blink, caught off guard by the question. “Um, I’m not sure I know what that means, but if I had to choose… something chocolatey?”
Finn holds up a finger in triumph. “A woman of taste. I’ll take the same. We’re on the same wavelength already. I knew it.”
He winks, and I shake my head, half laughing, half blushing. This man knows how to turn the simplest moment into a flirtation.
Once we’ve gotten our order, Finn leads me to a small table near the window, where the light from outside spills in. He sits across from me, his posture relaxed, but his eyes never leave mine.
“So?” He runs his eyes up my face. “The cake… what do you think of it? Life changing, right?”
“You were right,” I say, taking a bite. “This… definitely changes everything.”
Finn’s grin widens, pleased with himself. “Told you. This town’s got its charm, but the cake? That’s a whole different level of magic.”
I laugh, feeling the heaviness of the day finally start to lift.
Finn’s easy energy is utterly intoxicating—the way he makes everything feel so light and effortless draws me in.
I didn’t expect to find this kind of distraction today, but it feels good.
It feels right. For once, I’m not thinking about what’s next or what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m just… here.
“So,” I say, setting my fork down and meeting his gaze, “how do you do it? You just… glide through life like it’s one big adventure. What’s your secret?”