“That’s my taxi. Thanks, Vivienne. You’re the best!” She gives me a quick hug and grabs her bag. “Happy Thanksgiving!” she calls out as she rushes from our room.

I finish getting ready, then leave the room as well. Instead of the deserted campus that usually greets me at this hour, there’s a flurry of activity as students rush around carrying suitcases.

I ignore the commotion and set off on my usual route along the outskirts of campus, passing idling taxis and excited families. There’s a pang of homesickness as I think of my own parents.

It’s the middle of the afternoon in Marcedenia, so I imagine my father meeting with his advisors in the study, while my mother plans some type of charity event out in the gardens. Nostalgia hits me, but as I look around the campus I’ve become so attached to, it’s overcome by despair at the thought of my rapidly approaching departure. I reach the elm tree and go through my usual routine of stretching before I begin the more strenuous part of my workout.

Once I complete my stretches, I start to run. It’s been a week since Jace has been waiting for me at the tree. Instead of reveling in the tranquility that’s been restored, every morning he’s absent results in a fresh twinge of disappointment.

After the first three days of solo runs, I caved and texted him, asking where he was. I expected a sarcastic response stating he must have put his number in the wrong mailbox, but instead he said his practice schedule has shifted in preparation for the all-important Thanksgiving game. He sent a final message saying don’t miss me too much. I laughed at the time, but the despondency each morning I approach the elm tree to see no other figure in sight has become more annoying than amusing.

I push my pace faster than usual, and by the time I return to the tree, I’m panting heavily and soaked with sweat. I stop underneath the increasingly barren branches and lift my hands overhead to open up my lungs. Hazy sunlight warms my damp face as I suck in greedy gulps of the cool air.

“Was someone chasing you?”

My eyes snap open and my arms fall back to my sides. I turn to see Jace walking toward me, his hands shoved in the pockets of his sweatpants. He gives me an easy smile that I don’t return. I’m preoccupied by the dizzying rush of emotions his appearance has sparked.

“Because if that’s just your normal running pace, then I know you’ve been taking it easy on me,” he adds when I don’t say anything.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. “I thought you have practice every waking moment until the Thanksgiving game.”

“I did. Until we found out there isn’t going to be a Thanksgiving game.”

“What?” I reply, confused. “Why?”

“Most of the opposing team has the flu. Apparently, they kept it quiet for a few days, hoping they would still have enough people to play, but Coach found out this morning it’s being officially postponed.”