I wondered if they’d dated in this reality, or if they would date after I returned to Judaculla. It hadn’t worked out before, and I didn’t like thinking about the two of them going through another breakup. Especially when I wouldn’t be here to help them make their way back to being friends. I just couldn’t bear the thought of them being alone.

Like Knox.

I felt bad for Knox, thinking about what his life had been like. The loss of a mate he loved, living on the Fringe, surviving meal to meal. At least now he’d be able to experience some sense of normalcy in his life. The boy with the biggest heart I’d ever known was going to his first prom. Probably his first dance of any kind. In that moment, I forgave Knox for his almost-smothering supervision. It was a small price for me to pay if he was able to have just a few days of what every other teenager in my world took for granted.

“I really do like Knox,” Anamae said. She studied my expression. “It’s hard to explain, but I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. You don’t suppose he’s tricking me? You know, making me believe I like him when I really don’t?”

“What? No. Knox would never do that,” I assured her.

But I wasn’t so certain. The whole dream-sharing thing was in his DNA. It was the only way to keep Judaculla from dying out. As much as I wanted Knox to be happy, I was a little worried Anamae might get too attached to him.

“Listen, Knox is a good guy,” I said. “But—”

“You don’t have to say it. He’s probably not going to stick around.”

“I wish I knew,” I said.

But shouldn’t he? 

Maybe I could convince Knox to stay in Woodvine. Not just because of Anamae, since who knew how long she’d be interested in him. I just felt so strongly that he deserved a chance at a regular life. When I was back with James, maybe Knox would stay in Woodvine for at least for a little while.

But I couldn’t take that chance.

If Knox knew what I was planning to do, he’d use the fading on me again. And this time when he left Woodvine, I wouldn’t have any way to trigger my memories again. I already knew he was planning to use the fading on Anamae and Victor. The three of us would go on with life as if we’d never even met Knox.

I had to keep my plans to myself.

“Well, I’m going to make the most of his time while he’s here. We’re going on a date tomorrow night,” she said, giving me a sly smile.

Good for you, Knox, I thought.