Pushing aside the branches and overgrown brush, I walk deeper into the woods. It’s crazy that I remember how to get here. It’s been so long, but the path is etched in my mind. I walk a little to the right, avoiding a rock that looks like it fell from the cliff above.

Today was a hard day. I had a migraine that left me feeling nauseous and then ended up having to call out of work. Then Winnie called to tell me she has to go out of town for her job, which means I’m unable to get anywhere unless Delia or my mother can drive me.

I slept the entire morning and afternoon, so now, it’s almost dusk, and I am wide awake.

Hence the hike.

This overlook was one of my favorite spots, not just because it was something I shared with Grayson but because it was a safe place. Somewhere that was untouched by the outside world and was a piece of Earth that was just mine.

I climb up the side with a grin on my face because I know that, once I get around this curve, it’ll have a small open space where two people can fit without anyone being able to see them.

One more step up and two twists and I’ll be in the clearing. There’s a sliver of my heart that wants him to be here, waiting like he was all those times. I’m clearly a freaking fool.

When I see my spot, a part of me weeps because he’s not here and another part weeps because it’s everything that I remember.

The ground is covered in soft moss, the mountain carved out on both sides gives a feeling of a cocoon, and the view . . . the view is breathtaking.

As many times as I once dreamed of this, it didn’t come close.

There is a town over on the right, and I can just make out a few lights. Over to the left is nothing but trees and mountain tops.

The sounds of nature are all around—an owl hooting, trees rustling in the breeze, and frogs croaking. I pull out my blanket, place it on the ground, and lie down, just breathing.

Minutes pass as I sink into the peace of this place. For the first time in a long time, the sky is my friend and I feel safe.

Until I hear the crunching of branches.

My heart picks up, and I sit upright, which has my head throbbing from the quick motion.

Relax, Jessica, no one can see you here. You’re protected.

I repeat this over and over.

The sound stops, and I release a deep breath. “It was probably a deer,” I say under my breath.

But before I can lie back down, something catches my eye, and then I know it. I’m not alone.

I’m not safe.

Someone else is here.

Chapter 15