ushed himself faster. Thanks to years of football training, he covered the distance in under eight minutes. Sweat was running down his brow by the time he arrived at her front door, but he didn't m

me of lavender, which was usually present in Anastasia's home. Usually, she could hear her mother hurrying around the k

eart to sink like a stone. Anastasia, his vivacious, strong-willed Anastasia, lay curled up in a ball on her bed, her petite

er, bringing her closer. Normally, if he attempted to embrace her like this at school, she would squirm and push him away, laug

g through his shirt, each one like a stab to his heart. He wanted he could relieve her anguish, wi

breathing evened out as she adjusted to put her head on Bastian's chest. He gaze

s," she remarked

astian whispered. He tried to calm her down by giving her a

had her chin up and was willing to take on anything. But it was as though something had burst inside of him to see her like way. He fel

rms. He would occasionally glance down at her to make sure she was still breathing and everything

nastasia's peaceful face. In the morning light, the shadows beneath her eyes were even dar

was almost afraid to say it out. "And I always wil

o get her happiness back although he was unsure if his love wou

h understanding, while Bastian stood awkwardly to the side, his hands shoved into his pockets. He wanted to stay but his parents convinced h

s at his place or their particular location on the Drake Hotel's rooftop. That location had always been their refuge, a place where they could be themselves wit

, as she stared off into the horizon, lost in contemplation. He knew she was thinking about h

d quickly established their presence which confused Anastasia because she couldn't understand how her father could marry someone so quickly as if her own mother meant nothing to him - she was angry. She was treated more like a s

oing to school with dark bags under her eyes, and her once-bright grin had faded due to weariness and worry. He sensed s

eaving for home from school. "Nasa, what's g

?" she asked, avo

g irritated. You are rarely in my life these days,

ained, her tone flat. "There's noth

er eyes were more visible, and her complexion appeared paler than normal. All that remained of the girl he had known was a shell. His heart wa

e with your best friend." Tell me what's happening

o answer and brush him off as she always did, but she was too tired and

tterness in her voice even surprised her. Watching her figure backward, Bastian felt his heart sink. He instantl

up. He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "I miss you,

le she had given him in weeks, and it made his heart leap with hope. "How are we celebrating

olwork she had to finish. Her birthday had entirely escaped her memory. Still, maybe this was the right time. Maybe she could use this as a chance to fi

m surge through her. It was her birthday and the boy who had supporte