Page 56 of Since the Day We Kissed

As Ethan drew closer, the scrawled words came into focus:Closed Until Further Notice.

“Mr. Walker?” Ethan’s voice came out softer than intended. “What’s going on? You all right?”

The pharmacist’s head snapped around at the sound. For a heartbeat, he seemed not to recognize Ethan, but then he lunged with a speed that belied his disheveled state.

Ethan barely had time to react before Mr. Walker grabbed his shirt, slamming him into the brick wall. The breath rushed out of his lungs, leaving him gasping.

“Hey! What the—” Ethan wheezed, hands scrabbling to break free of the older man’s iron grip.

Bloodshot eyes, rimmed with red, locked onto Ethan’s. Grief and fury twisted Mr. Walker’s face into something unrecognizable—something darker. “It’s your fault! You killed her. If you hadn’t—”

19

Kara

Twistingherchestnuthairinto a loose bun, Kara stepped out of her bedroom, swapping the dress for her favorite worn jeans, a band t-shirt, and a pair of scuffed once-white sneakers. But as she moved around her tiny home, searching for the rescue’s keys to do her nightly check, she couldn’t help but think about the evening she’d had with Ethan, and how happy it had made her feel.

Her mind wandered to their almost-kiss. A small part of her was relieved it didn’t happen, though she couldn’t quite figure out why. They’d been here before, all those years ago. The pain of what came after still lingered in her chest, a reminder that some things were better left in the past. However, as his lips had parted ever so slightly, his breath warm against her skin, all she could think about was how much she missed him. How much she wanted to forget the past and just—feel.

Yet, despite the emotions swirling inside her, there was something new—a sense of calm, of comfort. Maybe it was the way Ethan had offered more than memories—a future for her rescue, for her.

Kara smiled, appreciating how thoughtful Ethan had been in helping her draw up a plan for the rescue. Even if it didn’t work out exactly as they hoped, his willingness to put in the effort meant the world to her. And with the rescue’s future on the line, any plan seemed worth exploring.

After finding her keys buried beneath newspapers on the kitchen table, Kara walked over to the door, smirking as she remembered something funny that Ethan had said.

“Mom!” Charlotte called, bursting through the door.

Kara jumped. “Geez, Charlotte!” She laughed, jingling her keys. “I was just heading out to check on the—”

Charlotte raised a hand. “Whoa there, Super Mom. You don’t need to go over there.”

“I don’t?”

“Already took care of it,” Charlotte said with a proud grin. “Checks done, dogs had their last potty break. Everything’s sorted. You can chill tonight.”

“Wow, really?” Kara’s face softened into a grateful smile as she tossed her keys onto the counter. “Thanks, honey. You’re a lifesaver.”

Charlotte beamed, then chuckled. “Oh, I know. But get this—Pepper went to town on his new blanket. Chewed a massive hole right in the middle and stuck his head through it. You should’ve seen him.”

“Oh no, not the brand new one? Are you serious?”

“Yeah, but don’t freak out. I got a picture. You’ve gotta see this—it’s too cute.”

Charlotte pulled out her phone and showed Kara the photo. They both leaned in, looking at the image of Pepper, the Jack Russel terrier mix’s furry face framed by the ragged hole in the blanket, tongue lolling out in a doggy grin.

Kara’s hand drifted to her chest. “Oh my heart, he’s adorable. Did you get him another blanket?”

Charlotte gasped. “Mom! What do you take me for? Of course, our little destroyer gets all the blankets he wants.”

Kara chuckled, then sighed. “We’re gonna go broke replacing blankets at this rate.” She turned and grabbed the kettle from the stove, filling it up at the sink. “Did you want some tea?”

“I’m good, thanks,” Charlotte said, flopping onto the nearby couch. She leaned forward. “So, spill. How was the big date?”

“It wasn’t a date. Just dinner.” Kara focused on pulling out a mug and getting a tea bag ready.

“Oh, come on, Mom. You can tell me about your date. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“And I’m telling you, it wasn’t a date.”

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