CHAPTER 24: Apart, Not Alone

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Chapter 24: Apart, Not Alone

Berlin — Calvin

The city was colder than he expected, but the people were warm. His mentor was brilliant. The research was everything he had dreamed of.

Still, every night before bed, Calvin opened Daisy's message app—even if just to reread old texts.

Sometimes they talked. Sometimes they just sent photos. A bookshop Daisy passed. A sunset from Calvin's dorm window. One-word messages.

But love doesn't always need full sentences.

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Nairobi — Daisy

The clinic was overwhelming. Real cases. Real people. Some days Daisy came home and collapsed into bed without dinner. Other nights, she stood on her balcony with headphones in, listening to Calvin's voice notes like they were medicine.

One message stood out:

> "I saw a woman laugh like you today. Loud. Unapologetic. I missed you after that."

She saved it.

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Lina & Marcus: The In-Between

Back home, Lina and Marcus tried to fill the space. Study groups. Ice cream runs. Late-night walks through campus.

But sometimes Lina would pause mid-laugh and whisper, "Do you think they'll make it?"

Marcus didn't answer with words. He just squeezed her hand tighter.

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Daisy's Letter (Finally Opened)

Three weeks into Berlin, Calvin unfolded the note Daisy had given him.

It read:

> If we can grow apart and still grow together, then we were never fragile. We were only beginning.

> Don't wait for me—live. But know I'll be doing the same, always with you in mind.

He closed his eyes and held the paper to his chest.

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