If you’re reading this, that means you’re actually following my quest, and I really appreciate it because I put a lot of effort into this. Anyway, pick up your coffee and exit the Starbucks. There’s a ride waiting to take you to your next destination.

Love,

Devin

A barista places my latte down on the counter. I grab it before stepping out through the front doors. A rideshare idles just outside, which is super sketchy, but I take in a deep breath and slip into the back seat.

“Where are we headed?” I ask.

The guy shrugs. “I’m just following the map, kid.”

Also super sketchy.

I idly sip my coffee, but my nerves are sparking to life. Where the hell are we going, and what the hell is Devin planning?

The car stops in front of the tea shop Devin took me to when I told em about the Diary. The driver just gives me a look until I finally step out of the car. The shop looks closed, so I’m not sure what I’m doing here until the car drives away and I turn toward the lot to find Becca staring back at me.

“Becca?” I say. “I thought you would’ve left by now.”

“I would have,” she says, “you know, if Devin didn’t try to rope me into this whole thing.”

I smile. “Do you have a note for me?”

“Maybe,” she says. “Do you have an apology for me?”

God, that’s so Becca, but it’s really comforting to hear right now. “I’m sorry. I’m really fucking sorry. I’ve been a terrible best friend because I’m scared to lose you, and I’m scared of being alone.”

She smiles, quickly pulling me into a hug, and I really don’t want to let go, but eventually she pushes me away and says, “Come on. I have to get back before my mom gets pissed, and you’ve got someone to meet.”

“My letter?” I say.

She rolls her eyes and pulls a slip of paper out of her bra.

“Gross,” I say.

She shrugs before slipping into the driver’s seat of her uncle’s car. I buckle in before opening the note.

Noah,

I’m sorry the shop’s closed. I had to choose between getting you Becca or tea, and I settled on the first.

Do you remember when we first came here? It was the first time you opened up to me about, well, everything. I don’t know how much all of that meant to you, but it really meant the world to me. There haven’t been a lot of people I could talk to since I left Florida, but that day, with you, I finally felt like I could be me. Like I wasn’t wrong, and honestly, that’s exactly what I needed.