Chapter 4 M.

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the park's waterfront trail. Everly, Hannah, and Jace jogged at an easy pace, their steps blending with the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore. It was becoming their Saturday morning ritual—a way to catch up while staying active.

"You know," Jace panted, grinning at Everly, "I'm convinced you two just bring me along, so you look faster by comparison."

"Not true," Hannah teased. "We bring you along because you pay for our coffee afterward."

Everly laughed but suddenly slowed her pace, pointing to a golden retriever racing toward them. Its leash trailed behind it, flapping in the breeze.

"Uh, does that dog have an owner?"

The dog barreled toward them, tail wagging. At first, it looked friendly, but as it neared Jace, its demeanor shifted. The retriever lunged, teeth flashing, and sank them into Jace's leg. "Ah! What the F—" Jace yelped, stumbling backward as Everly and Hannah screamed. "Stay still!"

Everly warned, grabbing the dog's leash. Hannah knelt by Jace, who clutched his leg, blood already soaking his jogging pants. 

The dog's owners appeared seconds later, breathless and apologizing saying he's never done this before. Everly lost it on them saying he better have his rabies shots and why is he not muzzled if he's not good with people. They didn't know what to say. Hannah pulled out her phone and dialed 911, her voice frantic as she explained what just happened. Next, she called Angel-her friend who was working at the hospital today, but it went to voicemail. Within minutes, the sound of an ambulance siren echoed through the park.

When the ambulance arrived, a young man with sharp green eyes and a warm smile stepped out. "I'm Basil," he introduced himself as he knelt by Jace.

"Let's take a look at that leg."

Jace winced but managed a weak grin. "Basil, huh? Are you named after the plant?"

"Actually, yes," Basil replied with a chuckle, carefully inspecting the wound. Everly and Hannah hovered anxiously as Basil wrapped Jace's leg and helped him onto a stretcher.

"He's lucky—it's a clean bite, but he'll need stitches, and a rabies shot. You two can follow us to the hospital if you want."

At the emergency room, Everly and Hannah paced in the waiting area while Jace was taken back. When they were finally allowed to see him, a familiar face greeted them—Angel.

"Jace?" Angel gasped, rushing over. "What happened?"

"Got in a fight with a dog," Jace said, attempting a grin.

"Spoiler, the dog won." Angel quickly assessed the situation, her professionalism shining through.

"Don't worry, we'll get you patched up in no time." Just as Angel was about to leave to retrieve supplies, her gaze landed on Basil, who stood nearby, chatting with a nurse. Her breath caught. "Basil?" she said, her voice tinged with shock.

Basil turned, his eyes widening in recognition. "Angel? Wow, I can't believe it's you! After all these years!"

Hannah and Everly exchanged curious glances at Angel and Basil. "I didn't know you worked as a paramedic," Angel said, her voice softening.

"I heard you were working at an ER hospital, but I never thought you'd be here in Sunset Springs. I thought you left after high school?" Basil replied curiously.

"No, that was Everly. She left to go to school to become a veterinarian. I never left," said Angel.

Everly leaned toward Hannah and whispered, "Is that Basil from high school, Angel's lifelong crush?"

"No idea, but I'm dying to find out," Hannah whispered back. "If it's him, he looks even more handsome than I remember, time has definitely been good to him!" The two continued to watch as Angel and Basil exchanged awkward smiles.

"It's been a while," Angel said finally.

"Yeah," Basil agreed.

"A long while." Angel hesitated, then gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "We'll catch up later. Right now, I've got a dog bite victim to stitch up."

Basil nodded, stepping aside to let her pass. Angel disappeared into the exam room with a tray of supplies to take care of Jace. Basil glanced at Everly and Hannah with a strange look. Everly and Hannah exchanged grins, realizing it was him and he didn't recognize them. This day was turning into something far more interesting than a routine jog.