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Chapter 22: Holding the Quiet
Unspoken Clocks
Daisy counted days in heartbeats. Calvin counted his in goodbyes he hadn't said yet.
They didn't talk about the program or the internship anymore. Not out of fear—but because they knew what was coming. So they chose to make time feel full.
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A Walk Through the City
They wandered through the city late at night. No destination. Just hands in pockets, shoulders brushing.
"You remember the first time we met?" Daisy asked, quietly.
"Library," Calvin smiled. "You sat down like you owned the place."
"I did," she said, laughing.
He nudged her. "You still do."
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Marcus and Lina's Little War
Meanwhile, Lina grew restless. "Why does everyone think we're the stable ones now?"
Marcus grinned. "Because you haven't ghosted me in three weeks."
She threw a cushion at him.
But when he pulled her close, she whispered, "If you ever leave, just promise I'll know why."
He looked serious. "I'd never leave without taking you with me."
Lina didn't cry often. That night, she did.
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One Last Plan
Daisy turned to Calvin on a Saturday morning. "Let's not have a goodbye. Just a moment."
"A moment?"
"One that holds everything. So when I miss you... I don't have to wonder if you knew."
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