Page 66 of Since the Day We Kissed

There was a long pause on the other end before Emma’s voice came through. “Kara, it was the right thing to do. You’ve been carrying this for so long—it’s time, and deep down you knew that.”

Kara paused for a moment, taking in Emma’s words. “You really think so?”

“Iknowso. You’ve got to trust yourself.” Emma hesitated, then asked, “So, how’d he take it?”

“He just—left. Said his neighbor called, had to go. Said he’d be back to talk, but I don’t know if he will. He never called me back years ago. What if I scared him? What if this was too much? What if he—”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down. Breathe. Okay? Hespecificallysaid he’d come back to talk, right?”

“He did, but—”

“Okay then, let’s give him a chance to come back. Don’t jump to conclusions just yet, all right?”

“I’ll try. Thanks, Em. But now I need to tell Charlotte. Sooner rather than later.”

“How do you think she’ll take it?”

Kara let out a shaky breath. “Honestly? I have no idea. Her whole life, it’s been this half-truth. We’ve always told her he left town years ago and that I didn’t know where he went. She never really asked much after that, not even his name. I mean, I saw Ethan in the paper years ago, found out he’d joined the army. But reaching out felt, I don’t know, impossible? And telling Charlotte.” Kara sighed. “I thought I was protecting her. Now, I’m not so sure.”

“Listen,” Emma said, “whatever happens with this, I’m here for you. Day or night. If you need to talk, vent, cry—whatever. Just call me, okay? Promise?”

“Promise. Thanks, Em. I might take you up on that. But I gotta get going. Anyway, I’ll text you later.”

“All right girl. You got this. Love you.”“Love you too.”

The last remnants of daylight were fading from the sky as Kara lowered the phone, slipping it back into her pocket. She stood still for a moment, letting the weight of the conversation settle in her chest. With a soft sigh, she rose to her feet and started the short walk back toward the rescue.

Familiar barks and whines greeted her as she stepped back inside. The steady routine of feeding and tending to the animals felt comforting as she made her way to the kennels. But her thoughts remained tangled with what lay ahead. As she poured kibble into the bowls, her mind raced.

How am I gonna tell Charlotte?

Should I just sit her down and say it outright?

She poured another scoop of kibble.

What if she hates me for keeping this from her?

She’s my whole world. I can’t lose her over this.

Kara bit her lip, trying to slow the whirl of thoughts as she began taking the dogs out in the groups Ethan had helped her set up. As she clipped on the first leash, more thoughts struck her.

What if he tells her before I do? No, he wouldn’t, right?

What if he doesn’t come back?

While walking one group, she mentally rehearsed how to break the news.

“Charlotte, honey, there’s something important I need to tell you about your dad.” No, that sounds too ominous.

She sighed, tugging lightly on the leash as a dog strayed off course.

“Charlotte, remember how we’ve always wondered about your dad? Well, I have some news.” That’s a little better, but still not quite right.

The hour passed slowly as Kara moved from kennel to kennel, feeding and walking each dog. By the time she locked up for the night, the sky had darkened, and the solar-powered porch lights had already flickered to life. As she walked back toward her tiny house, fireflies danced at the edges of the trail. The balmy summer air and the symphony of crickets would have normally drawn her to the porch to unwind—but tonight, her anxiety had stolen even the simplest comforts.

Once inside, she sank down at the kitchen table and pulled out her phone.

No messages from Ethan ... or Charlotte ... or Dad ... or anyone.

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