Page 31 of Undone

I smiled at his suggestion, while my gaze traced a crack on the wall, letting the thought sit for a beat. Sure, my apartment felt quiet without Dotty, but at least Walker was there to keep me company. Going back home would mean more questions, more of my parents’ well-meaning but incessant probing.

“Thanks, but I don’t think that’s what I need,” I said. “Dotty mentioned a job opening in Woodstone Falls.”

“Woodstone Falls?” my dad repeated. “That’s… a big change from the city. Are you considering it?”

“I think so,” I admitted, my fingers trailing over the desk as I paced. “I just feel like I need a fresh start.”

The faint hum of the line filled the silence. Then my mom spoke again. “We understand. It can be a lot. Have you heard anything about John?”

The mention of his name brought a tightness to my throat. “No,” I said, my fingers stilling. “Have you, Dad?”

The silence that followed was heavier than any words they might have said. Then my dad finally replied. “No, nothing.”

John had gone completely MIA, but I guess being on America’s Most Wanted list would do that.

“I’m sure it’ll all work out, whatever you decide to do.”

“I know. Thanks, Dad.” I blinked back the wetness starting to form in my eyes. “I gotta go. Need to pack up the rest of my classroom,” I said, trying to sound more certain than I was. “Love you guys.”

“Love you too, sweetheart. Take care of yourself,” my dad said.

I gathered the last of my supplies, carefully placing them in a cardboard box. Each item held a memory—the mug from my first year of teaching, the framed photos of each of my classes over the last several years, the books I read aloud to eager young faces.

As I closed the box, I took a moment to look around. The room felt both familiar and distant, like a chapter of my life I was reluctantly closing.

ELEVEN

Noah - July

HOME - PHILLIP PHILLIPS

With a truckload of boxes,the cutest, fluffiest passenger prince you ever did see, and an unusual amount of caffeine coursing through my veins, I finally arrived as Woodstone Falls’ newest resident.

I’d accepted the teaching position at Woodstone Elementary, set to start when the new school year kicked off. The long drive was grueling, but the thought of a fresh start was exciting.

The small town unfolded before me like a scene from a storybook as I drove in. Tree-lined streets wound through the heart of the town, their leafy branches creating a natural canopy that dappled the sidewalks with sunlight. Quaint, well-kept homes with front porches adorned with rocking chairs and hanging flower baskets added to the charm.

The early summer air carried the faint scent of freshly cut grass. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing symphony of whispers. In the distance, the sound of a nearby creek added to the serene ambiance.

As I pulled up, I saw Dotty waiting eagerly in the driveway, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement. The moment I stepped out, she threw her arms around me.

I hugged her back, but she held on tightly.

“Dotty, I love you, and I missed you too, but I’ve been stuck in that moving truck forever.”

“Sorry,” she said with one last squeeze before letting go, her grin never fading. “You’re officially a Woodstonian! Or… Woodstoner? I have no idea. But you’re here!”

Trent strolled up behind her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, giving her a soft kiss to the temple. “Let the girl breathe, sunshine,” he teased, giving me a friendly nod.

Dotty rolled her eyes playfully and turned back to me. “How was the drive?”

“Not bad,” I said, taking in the rolling hills in the distance, dotted with weathered barns and grazing cattle.

Trent’s old house, my new home, was a charming single-story home with a wide wrap-around porch, perfect for lazy afternoons. Its white clapboard siding looked freshly painted, and the deep blue shutters added a pop of color against the backdrop of lush greenery.

It was perfect.

Colt’s SUV pulled into the driveway. As soon as the vehicle halted, Sawyer swung open the passenger door and stepped out.

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