Noah spent the entire bus ride staring out the window, replaying every message, every voice note, every photo. The bouquet of wildflowers sat carefully in his lap, wrapped in tissue paper he’d begged from Aunt Mara. He’d told her it was for a “friend’s mom.” She’d smiled, patted his cheek, and said, “You’re a good boy, Noah. Don’t let the city change you.” The city was already changing him. He arrived at the station just after 10 p.m. The air smelled different, sharper, louder, full of dust, loud music and street food. He stepped off the bus, his backpack slung over one shoulder, heart hammering. She was there. Vesper....., Ivy....,stood near the exit, her hoodie up, mask pulled down just enough to show her smile. No makeup, no camera-ready glow, just in jeans, sneakers, and oversized hoodie. She looked smaller than in her videos, more real. She saw him first. Her eyes lit up. “Noah?” “Ivy.” She walked toward him in quick steps and stopped a foot away, she lo
Last Updated : 2026-03-04 Read more