Chapter 4 The Storm

A deafening clap of thunder cracked across the sky. Fierce winds swept through the mountain, driving the rain down in heavy sheets.

Gritting my teeth, I hobbled forward on one foot.

…

By the time I limped to the tram station, I was soaked to the bone.

The attendant shouted at the top of his lungs, "Last tram! Only one cabin left. Maximum two passengers!"

My heart tightened. I grabbed Chester's sleeve, my voice hoarse. "Chester, help me. I can't walk anymore."

Seeing that, Linnea quickly snuggled closer against his chest. "Chester, I'm terrified of thunder… and my back is killing me. If I have to hike down the mountain, I'm afraid I'll permanently damage it."

She looked up at me, her eyes rimmed red. "Flora, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Why don't you and Chester go first? I'll be fine."

Chester looked torn before turning to coax me. "Flora, wait here for half an hour. I'll take Linnea down and come right back for you. Her back injury is old. If she gets soaked in the rain, it could leave lasting problems."

I looked at him and suddenly laughed. "So, you can't see that I sprained my ankle? Why should I give up the tram for her and stand here getting drenched while I wait for you?"

"Can you stop being so unreasonable?" His expression darkened. He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it to me. "Put this on. I'll be back soon. I won't keep you waiting long."

The instant the tram door clicked shut, it felt as though a dull blade had been driven straight through my heart.

The rain pounded against me in torrents. Even the jacket quickly turned cold.

I stood alone on the empty platform, watching the tram disappear into the curtain of rain.

In the end, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and drag my injured foot down the mountain, one painful step at a time.

Rainwater and cold sweat streamed down my face together.

By the time I finally made it to the bottom, I could not hold myself up another second. I collapsed onto the ground.

…

The next day, Chester stared at our silent chat thread and finally realized something was wrong.

He had just picked up his keys when a call from his mother, Harper, came in. "Chester! The hotel said the engagement party has been canceled! What on earth is going on?"

Before he could process it, Linnea suddenly let out a scream. "Chester! They're towing our car!"

He rushed over to stop them, but the tow truck driver gave him an annoyed look and pushed him aside. "Ms. Hayes signed the paperwork to sell the car herself. Everything's in order. Didn't she tell you?"