Two Days Later– On Campus
Rick wasn't used to feeling unsettled.
Not after everything he'd been through. But the incident with the flipped cart had wormed its way under his skin.
He told himself it was nothing — a malfunction, bad luck. But something in the man's eyes still haunted him. The look of someone whose mind had been hijacked. Like he wasn't behind the wheel at all.
Rick didn't believe in ghosts or fate. But he did believe in instincts. And his told him something was off.
Still, there were classes to attend, books to read, and a promise to keep. So he tucked the unease away — like he always did — and moved forward.
Until she showed up again.
The Library – Psychology Section
Rick scanned the shelves for a specific title on behavioral patterns. The library was quiet — a rare, perfect atmosphere.
Until someone leaned over the other side of the bookshelf and whispered:
"You're really bad at pretending you're not curious."
Rick didn't flinch.
"Ava."
She stepped around the shelf, arms crossed, amused.
"You've been rereading the same page for ten minutes."
"Maybe I like page 43."
"Or maybe you're replaying Monday night in your head like it was the opening scene of a thriller."
Rick finally looked up.
"You're not wrong."
Ava softened, sitting beside him. For once, she wasn't teasing.
"It was weird. That whole thing. Like it wasn't real."
"It was real," Rick said. "Too real."
A pause.
Then Ava asked something unexpected:
"What would you do if it happened again?"
Rick didn't answer immediately. His jaw tightened, thoughts racing.
"I'd stop it."
Flashback – Three Years Ago
His mother's chest rose and fell slower than it should've.
Machines beeping.
IV lines in her arms. Tubes in her nose.
Rick, kneeling by the bed, barely breathing.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, voice cracking. "I couldn't protect you."
She reached out, weak fingers brushing his cheek.
"You're not meant to protect everyone, Rick."
"But I was supposed to protect you."
She shook her head slowly.
"You're meant to live, sweetheart."
"Protect your own future. That's how you protect me."
Then she closed her eyes. And the beeping stopped.
Present Day– Library
Ava noticed the shift in Rick's face.
"Where'd you go just now?"
He blinked once.
"Somewhere I visit too often."
She nodded like she understood. Then stood.
"Come on. I want to show you something."
Downtown – The Edge walk
Ava led him to a concrete overlook outside campus. It wasn't scenic — just raw and exposed. You could see all the buildings, lights, sirens, and chaos below. Everything moving.
"This is where I come when my head's too loud," she said.
"You ever feel that?"
Rick looked out at the streets.
"My head's always loud. I just stopped listening."
Ava turned to him.
"That's dangerous."
"So is caring too much."
She didn't argue. She just stood beside him, letting the wind blow through her curls. After a while, she asked:
"What was she like?"
Rick didn't have to ask who.
"Strong. Quiet. The kind of person who made you feel like home wasn't a place — it was her voice."
"She'd be proud of you, you know."
He didn't respond. But in his silence, something cracked.
And Ava didn't say anything else. She just slid her hand into his, gently. No pressure. No weight.
Just warmth
Later that night – Rick's Apartment
Rick sat at his desk, staring at a blank journal page.
Then, slowly, he began to write.
> Day One — not because it's the first time I'm starting over...
but because it's the first time I don't feel like I have to do it alone.