I simply nod, unable to speak as I desperately try to hold the prickling in my eyes at bay. Jace gives me a sad smile, then shuts the car door. He turns and walks up the brick path. I drive back toward Lincoln’s campus.

I find a spot near Kennedy Hall and grab my own bag from the backseat. The campus is quiet. I only pass a couple of people as I walk inside the dorm and enter my dark bedroom. Katie isn’t supposed to get back to campus until tomorrow morning, and I’m grateful to have the room to myself.

I drop my bags and flip on the light. Then, I lie face down on my bed and start to sob.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

When I wake up, my face feels stiff, coated with a long night’s worth of dried tears. I don’t get out of bed and dress in my running clothes like usual. Instead, I just lie under the covers, allowing myself to drown in heartbreak for a little while longer.

After forty-five minutes, I talk myself into becoming a functioning person again. I still have two weeks left at Lincoln, and spending them being miserable won’t make leaving any easier. With that thought in mind, I climb out of bed, determined not to wallow further.

I head to the bathroom first to wash the salty streaks off my face. I slather on a heavy coat of moisturizer, which has become an essential ritual thanks to the increasingly chilly Michigan weather. This morning I put on even more than usual, hoping it will alleviate some of the puffiness around my eyes.

I dress in black jeans and a soft gray cashmere sweater before pulling my black wool jacket on. My phone buzzes on the bedside table, and I pick it up, scanning the list of notifications. The only name I want to see isn’t there.

Instead, I see several messages from Philip asking if I’m back on campus yet. The final one says he spoke to Julie and is glad we’re back safely, so I don’t bother replying.

The latest message is from an unfamiliar number. I tap on it to see it’s from the car dealership. The message reads Car is ready, what’s the drop-off address?

I reply with Jace’s address, and seconds later, a response appears. Will be there in fifteen minutes. Keys on back right tire as requested.

I respond, thanking them and confirming the payment has been received.

Realizing it’s already later than I thought, I quickly sort through the large stack of binders and books on my desk, pulling out the ones I’ll need for today and shoving them all in my bag before I head out the door.

I walk toward the crowded parking lot, grateful I still have a car for the time being. I locate the black SUV quickly, climbing in and tossing my bag on the passenger seat.

When I arrive at a coffee shop on the periphery of campus, I order a coffee and muffin, keeping a watchful eye on the large clock that hangs behind the register.