I know these past few weeks have been hard for you, and really, I’m not your therapist, but I also know how much you need Becca right now. She’s a pillar in your life that I never had, and I’m glad, but you should know that moving away from her isn’t the end. She’ll always be your best friend, even if you’re apart, and she’ll always love you.

Just like I needed to learn to love myself again, you need to accept that being apart doesn’t mean being alone. Once you make yourself open to that, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of your quest.

Becca’ll guide you.

Love,

Devin

By the time Becca stops the car, there are tears streaming down my cheeks. I know that once I step out, she’s gonna be heading out of my life for God only knows how long, and it hurts just to think about it.

“Do you know what’s in the note?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I didn’t read it, if that’s what you mean. That felt kind of invasive, but Devin gave me a heads-up.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, and I know she knows that, but I can’t seem to formulate any other words.

“Noah, you know I’ll always love you, right?” she says. “And I’ll always be there for you. Even if I can’t always answer the phone.”

And I nod because I know, but God, do I hate it.

We both step out of the car, and she comes around to my side to hug me again. Tears slip down my face and onto her shoulder, and I feel kind of bad about it, but this is my time to cry. I deserve this.

Finally, I pull away and say, “You better come visit me in California.”

She smiles. “Are you kidding? Hollywood girls? Santa Monica girls? I’m so there.” She kisses my cheek and adds, “You know, I’m not one to enable your poor life choices.”

That much is pretty clear.

“So, if it helps any, I don’t think Devin is a poor life choice.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Long distance never works.”

She shrugs. “Who knows. Maybe sometimes it does. Either way, you worked so hard to find an epic love this summer. It kind of seems like a waste to just throw it away, don’t you think?”

I narrow my eyes at her suspiciously, but she’s already moving back to the driver’s side of the car. She dramatically throws her arms out like a game show host announcing some brand-new car. “Finish your quest. Let me know how it turns out.”

I smile. “Obviously.”

And then she slips back into the car and drives away.

And I’m alone.

Wait.