She hugged me tightly as I held in my arms one final time. "I'm going to miss you something fierce, Nate."

"Once I'm allowed, you'll hear from me and I'll come back whenever I can. Got my phone and we'll have free time, but I honestly don't know what it's going to be like. I have a good idea though."

"You'd better at least text me!"

I kissed her a final time before I let her go. She walked away first, glancing back once. Thankfully, there was only a smile on her face, followed by a rather shy wave farewell, before I passed through the barrier and walked up to...