Tomorrow Will Be Better: A Novel Novels & Stories

end of story) "Are you excited for tomorrow?" He questions as we start walking back towards the hotel. "Why, what's going on tomorrow?" I ask. "Tomorrow, we go back home." He says as he interlocks our fingers. Tomorrow he breaks up with Madeline. Tomorrow our parents are officially divorced. Tomorrow is the start of our relationship and tomorrow is the beginning of something new.

And maybe, just maybe, I had something else, too. Something real. And tomorrow? Tomorrow would be the start of something even better.

Chapter 24 Liora's POV The pillow underneath my head is softer than the one on the plane, making me realize my bed has been changed. My eyes flutter open, the first thing greeting me being the blinding lights in Evren's room—well, my room too. “Ughh,” I groan, placing a hand over my eyes to shield them. Who the hell sleeps with the lights on? Although I slept more comfortably than I have in the past three days since Aunt's incident—

** This chapter contains content of self-harm** The streets were nearly empty at this hour, just a few early risers blinking through their routines and delivery trucks humming softly past shuttered storefronts. Celeste pulled her coat tighter around her body, the weight of the early morning chill settling into her bones like something she deserved. She walked in silence, each step echoing in her ears louder than it should. The city hadn’t fully woken yet—still caught in that gray space between night and day, where shadows stretched longer and everything felt quieter than it really was.

"Attempt 100: If he still doesn’t care, and my parents still don’t love me, then maybe I’ll stop trying since no one in this world sees me." Tears welled up. Had I really loved him this much? Was I really that broken? Maybe forgetting was a gift. I placed the journal into my suitcase. This part of my life was going with me, but it wouldn’t define me anymore. Then, my phone rang. "Zoe, don’t forget to attend Yvonne’s birthday party the day after tomorrow. Bring a gift," my mother's voice instructed. I started to protest, but she cut me off. "8 p.m. at the Grandview Hotel. Don’t be late."

I meant it. However, Lucas just broke down. "I'll never be happy again... I've lost it all," he sobbed. ... I left the house to Lucas, wanting to keep nothing but the memories. Still, I wired 150 thousand dollars to Patrick's account. Not because I was soft, but because I was done with that chapter. I was financially secure, and Lucas had quit his job. I did not want any loose ends. Life got brighter from there. My college buddy and I started an outdoor club right there in town. I met folks who shared my love for the wild, and we would head out on adventures whenever we could.

Jacob felt a mix of emotions within him, and he warned them impatiently, "Don't touch her." With that, he turned and left the private room under countless shocked gazes. When Jacob returned to the villa that night, Stephanie put on a sexy nightgown and tried to seduce him as usual. Before, Jacob would have been aroused by her antics. However, he seemed strangely disinterested this time. This was the first time that he refused Stephanie and said perfunctorily, "We've got a wedding tomorrow. Let's go to bed early." She protested, so he soothed her to sleep patiently.

“If tomorrow is terrible…” “It might be.” I huffed softly. “You’re terrible at reassurance.” “I’m excellent at honesty.” “That is unfortunately true.” His fingers traced once along my spine. “If tomorrow is terrible, we survive it. Together.” I let that sink in. Together. Not protected from all pain. Not promised an easy outcome. Just that simple, impossible vow: not alone. I closed my eyes. “Stay awake until I fall asleep,” I murmured. “Of course.” “And if I dream about the cafeteria—”

The dormitory's heating suddenly went out at one in the morning. Shivering beneath the blankets, I called June. On the other end, she sounded sleepy, yawning between words. "The power station said the lines were damaged and they're still repairing them. It won't be fixed until tomorrow morning. If you're cold, fill up a few more hot water bottles. There's nothing I can do about emergencies like this." Before I could say another word, the line disconnected, leaving behind nothing but the hollow beeping tone.

Tomorrow she will begin taking back her life. "Just one more day” She whispered softly. Tomorrow, the first collapse will begin.