I should do something or say something, but I can’t find the right words. I’ve never been good at comforting other people when they’re upset. He’s talking about his future self like he’s already become that person, but he’s not. He doesn’t have to be. But I don’t know how to tell him that and make him believe me. Instead I place my hand over his on the grass.

His gaze drops to my hand. “I’m sorry. I probably sound like a jerk whining about my problems when you’re…” His voice trails off.

“You just saw your own future. That can’t be easy.”

“I probably shouldn’t ask this, but what did he say to you? When you were alone?”

“He…” I’m not sure how much to tell him. Most of what Future-Adam said isn’t for this Adam’s ears, but I want to say something. I want to be honest. Finally I spit out, “He told me to trust you.”

Adam’s eyebrows dart up. “Yeah?”

I focus on an airplane flying overhead to avoid his gaze. “What did he say to you?”

“He told me to be careful. And…to not get too attached to you.” Adam shifts his hand to grasp mine, his pale fingers tangling with my darker ones. “I don’t care what he said. We’re going to change this future. I’m not going to let you die.”

Our eyes lock and my breath fails me. So much pain in those eyes, but so much determination too. He truly believes he can save me, and in that moment, I believe it too. My gaze flickers to his lips, and I want nothing more than to press mine against them, to forget everything except this moment. I lean into him, my face lifting to meet his. His breath flickers over my skin, and I part my lips—

“Adam? Elena?” Chris calls. “You out here?”

We jerk apart, the moment over. The outside world rushes in again. Cold grass on my butt. City lights stretched out in front of me. One day left to live. And Chris behind us on the patio, calling our names.

Adam rises to his feet. “Yeah?”

Chris eyes the two of us like he knows something is going on. “We’ve sat around long enough. Let’s get out of here.”

“Just give us a minute,” Adam says.