Grandma says nothing flies faster than time. Although I’m sure my physics teacher wouldn’t agree to that, I’m realizing time does go by fast.

It’s been almost two months since I snuck out. I’m no longer grounded, and Chiara is staying over. She’s lying on my bed, holding her phone close to her face and ordering pizza for us while I hunt for a new rom-com.

A notification appears on my phone screen, and I tap on it to see it’s from our school.

“Did you know about this?” I ask Chiara, forgetting about the movie for a second. “Our school’s organizing a care package drive.”

“For whom?”

“For the military, it seems.” I start reading the email.

Dear students and staff of Cherrywood High,

It’s with immense pleasure that I announce that this year we’re partnering with a local military support organization in a care package drive.

This is the first time Cherrywood High will be involved in such a noble event. Not every service member is lucky enough to have family and friends to be with them during the holidays. We’ll make our community proud by bringing a smile to the faces of our soldiers.

I encourage everyone to participate in this good cause. For details, please read the attached flyer.

Best Regards,

Principal B. Routh.

As I read the email, my mind goes to one service member I know well. Maybe someday, I can send him something.

8. Lukas

8

LUKAS

Present Day

“Then how did you end up married if that paper held no value?” Connor waves his hand between Autumn and me.

“My grandfather had another heart attack,” Autumn whispers.

“Are you fucking serious?”

Autumn bites her lip and then nods. “It’s really frustrating. It was like the entire universe and the health gods in particular were working against us.”

“Her grandfather wanted Autumn to get married and fulfill the promise,” I add.

“And you did?” Connor wrinkles his forehead.

“The doctors were very clear. There was no chance Grandpop would survive the night. We got married in the late evening at my family’s inn. One of our staff, Mr. Big, officiated the wedding, and the plan was to get it annulled as soon as possible.”

“Did anyone know about the annulment?”

“My dad.” Autumn nods before her chin dips to her chest. “But the plan didn’t work out. My grandpop is still healthy and kicking.”

“This is some of the craziest shit I’ve heard in a long time. But what does that mean for you guys?”

“It means we’re still legally married.” I run a hand through my hair before throwing my head back and looking at the ceiling’s moldings.

I know Connor is about to ask how we want to deal with this in the future, because it’s clear Autumn’s grandfather isn’t going anywhere, at least not anytime soon. But thankfully her cell phone rings.