miranbajrami59

"The Light Between Us"
In a town full of memories, the past is never really gone.

When 15-year-old Ryan Whitmore moves to Rosehill with his mom, he’s not just starting over—he’s running from everything he used to be. But small towns have long shadows, and Ryan quickly finds himself caught in something bigger than he expected. A girl who feels too familiar. A team he wasn’t supposed to lead. A truth that could ruin everything.

Between cheerleading tryouts, basketball tournaments, and late-night talks under the stars, Ryan, Anna, Ben, and Savannah are just trying to figure it all out. But secrets have a way of showing up—especially when you're finally starting to feel at home.

Basketball isn’t just a game here.
It’s where friendships are tested, futures are shaped, and second chances are earned.

THe Light Between us

Sarah Whitmore had been scrubbing the same section of the café counter for nearly five minutes, lost in thought. Sunlight streamed in through the front windows of the space that would soon become her second home again. Boxes still littered the corners, shelves stood half-empty, and the scent of fresh paint lingered faintly in the air.

She paused, exhaled, and looked around. It was getting there—slowly—but it was getting there.

A gentle knock at the front door made her look up.

The door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside with careful steps and a warm smile. She looked elegant, composed, her hair pinned back neatly, dressed in a soft beige coat. Sarah's breath caught as recognition settled in.

"Sarah?" the woman asked, her voice familiar and warm.

Sarah wiped her hands on a rag and stepped forward, trying to maintain her composure. "Yes?"

"I wasn't sure it was really you," the woman said, her eyes softening. "It's been… what? Sixteen years?"

"I'm Evelyn Morgan," the woman said, offering her hand.

Sarah hesitated for only a moment before shaking it. "Of course. I remember you."

"I saw the lights on and figured I'd say hello. Word's been going around that Sarah Whitmore came back and is reopening the old café," Evelyn said with a quiet laugh. "Didn't believe it until I saw it myself."

"Well, it's true," Sarah replied, glancing around. "Still a work in progress."

"It's good to see this place being brought back to life," Evelyn said, looking around the space with genuine warmth. "Your parents would be proud."

There was a silence, not awkward, but heavy with memories Sarah didn't know how to handle. Evelyn, thankfully, didn't press. She turned to glance at the doorway.

"I think our kids might've crossed paths already," Evelyn added with a light tone.

Sarah tensed, though she tried not to show it. "Oh?"

"My daughter Anna mentioned a boy at the bookstore. Said Mr. James had a new regular. Said he was… interesting," she said with a smile. "Didn't take long for the village to start talking."

Sarah forced a small chuckle. "Sounds like Rosehill hasn't changed."

"Not even a little," Evelyn said, her smile soft and knowing.

Sarah shifted, the weight of buried truths pressing against her chest. But Evelyn—thankfully—kept things light.

"Well," Evelyn said, glancing at her watch. "I'll let you get back to work. I just wanted to say welcome back. And… if you ever want to catch up over coffee—once the café opens, of course—I'd like that."

Sarah nodded, genuinely touched. "I'd like that too."

Evelyn offered her one last smile, then turned and stepped out, the bell above the door jingling softly as it shut behind her.

Sarah stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, her mind spinning. Sixteen years, and still Evelyn didn't know. Didn't know that the boy her daughter was talking about was her husband's son.

Sarah exhaled slowly, bracing herself against the counter.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Crossing Paths