Whispers of Maplebrook

to leave Maplebrook for what might be the last time. Her suitcase sat by the threshold, yet her heart felt heavier than anything she could pac

," he said quietly, his voice carrying t

prepared herself for how hard it would be. Her heart was racing, torn between the life she had built in the city and the

rmured, her voice barely audible

he emotional distance between them. "Maybe it's not about what

e had been clinging to. She couldn't leave without addressing the way her feelings for Ethan had grown-

ning as she met his gaze. ". I don't kno

ther

nt, Finally, Ethan broke the sil

pect this. I didn't expect to feel this way about you. But you... you've made this plac

She stepped closer, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Ethan, I didn't expect this either.

Amelia. I'm scared because I've been here before. I've watched people leave, thinking they'd come back, but they nev

the worry that her departure would be just another chapter in a life full of people leaving. And it wasn't just ab

e whispered, her voice cracking

trength. When he opened them again, there was a sadness there that br

ife and career were calling her back to the city. She had fought so hard to build her future, to make her dreams come true, and

y life in the city, Ethan. It's where I've built everything I've worked for. But a

t want you to choose between your dreams and me, Amelia. I don't. But I can't pretend that

she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. She cupped his face

. Ethan's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and for a brief, fleeting moment, everything else melted away. There were no deci

d feel the steady beat of his heart, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be li

excitement and challenge of her career. The city had been her dream for so

her voice barely audible. "I

adness. "I understand. Take the time you need. But ju

d him once more, softer this time, as if trying

you know