Chapter 7

My mother told me that Leonardo went on another trip with his friends the day after getting his acceptance letter. He had been gone for a while.

In contrast, Mrs. Rossi kept calling my mom to ask when I was coming home.

On the day of my arrival, my parents picked me up from the airport, both dressed up.

When I woke up and got out of the car, I realized we were at a fancy hotel.

Still half-asleep, I was ushered into the lobby by my mother.

As we walked in, I saw Leonardo, who I hadn't seen in months. I froze.

Leonardo was dressed sharply in a tailored suit. His tall, athletic frame looked imposing as he stood by the grand staircase.

Over one summer, his boyish charm had sharpened into something more mature, closer to the man I had once imagined he would become.

My emotions were a mess. The meeting I had tried so hard to avoid was happening unexpectedly.

Noticing my confusion, Mom explained in a low voice.