VEDA

"Dad! Mom!" I ran into Luca's house, not missing the fact that he wasn't there to greet me. Despite what I'd told him on the phone, my heart had raced the entire way there in anticipation of what he'd do when I walked in the door. But I ignored the pang in my chest caused by his absence. I wasn't here to see him. I was here to see my parents.

Running up the stairs, I made my way past his bedroom, holding my breath so I wouldn't catch even a whiff of his scent. I didn't think I'd be able to stand it. Once I was far enough...