Memories of Yesterday - ebook

Chapter One

_August 2, 2016_

Tragedy struck when a familiar car meandered through the lonely backroads of North America.

Disrupting that tranquil afternoon in August, an engine roared while it passed under tunnels of foliage with greenery towering as tall as the eye could see. The scent of pine trees permeated the air and birds chirped above, encompassing them with the comforting memories of home.

Gradually, jagged curves diminished and the road evened out to a straight path, though the pavement below became corrosive. Rocking the car against such conditions, the driver’s eyelids fell heavy and the singular lane hazily became two.

Amidst the swaying, a picture frame that rested on the passenger’s side slid in between the seats and down into the abyss. The clashing of its fall lurched the driver awake. Heart suddenly racing, they regained vigilance.

Reaching over for the picture, it was nearly in their grasp. _Just… a little… more…_ they thought as they readjusted. Assessing the emptiness ahead, they shifted their focus from the road and began straining again.

In a flash, a massive object dashed out at the car. Catching the movement out of the corner of their eye, they glanced up to witness a silver truck pulling onto the road and colliding with the passenger side.

It transpired in an instant, but at the same time, in slow motion. They were helpless; at the mercy of the truck’s damage. The realization of pain wavered as they struggled to comprehend what had occurred.

Eventually, the jolt struck, slamming the driver into the door and emitting a muffled _thud_. A crackling rang as the side window shattered upon impact, and the cracks filled with pooling blood. Unable to see, they listened to objects clattering about as the car tumbled and twisted. They waited until the world fell still, and when it did, they lay in fear.

Gravity pulled, forcing them to recognize that they were dangling upside down. Blood instantly rushed to their head while consciousness waned in and out. Feeling around them, their fingers brushed up against broken pieces of the car. They felt for the seat belt, attempting to pull their way free, but rapidly finding it useless. Beeping echoed from seemingly far away, yet it was their car registering numerous errors. Through the commotion, the driver listened as a pair of wheels screeched against the road, fading into the distance.

They were alone.

Without vision, panic set in. Unable to cut free, they felt for wounds. To their astonishment, there were more than they imagined. Up and down their arms, they brushed over millions of small glass shards that rested in the first layers of skin. As they worked their way down, they felt the seat belt that strangled them, cutting into their rib cage as a warm liquid melted onto their hands. _Blood_.

Continuing on, they made it to their legs. From the start, something was off. _I can’t feel them_, they thought. Gently gliding a palm over their thigh, they realized it was for the best, as a sharp object dug into them. They inaudibly gasped.

Perhaps it was the excessive wounds or the blood that was pooling to their brain, but they fell momentarily unconscious.

When they awoke, they weren’t sure how much time had passed. It was still warm out, so it couldn’t have been long. Their vision still hadn’t returned, though a stabbing pain erupted from the back of their head. Gently gliding over it with their hand, they felt it. Unsure how deep it went, an object slashed a large gash on the back of their skull, embedded at the base. The area began to throb.

Another spiking pain hit them in the abdomen as they felt their way to it with shaky hands. Nervously brushing over the diaphragm, they cut their finger on a piercing object’s jagged blade. It was metallic.

They tried to scream, but nothing came out. Past the engine’s hum and the endless beeping, they listened to the world around them, though it was eerily void of life. Losing consciousness again, they sank back under.

This time, when they woke, the air was cooler and the pain was far less tolerable. Perhaps it was the lack of adrenaline, but they understood that they didn’t have much longer to wait for help. They listened to the blood drip like a faucet into the puddle beneath them. Trying to scream once more, nothing came out. Raising their hand in an effort to bang against the walls of the vehicle, they no longer could move.

Police sirens wailed in the distance and a sliver of hope bubbled in the pit of their stomach. _Help!_ they tried to say. The police sirens neared, stopping beside the vehicle. _They heard it. They heard me!_ Within no time, more sirens joined in and commotion encompassed the atmosphere as they listened to the voices that incomprehensibly echoed through the noise.Chapter Two

_Two Years Earlier_
__
_August 2, 2014_

Wind whirled in a haphazard manner, whipping the car in different directions as it coasted down the lonesome road. Howling and banging, there was nothing to do but increase the radio’s volume to an almost deafening magnitude in an attempt to drown out the storm. Rain battered down, emitting loud splashes as it collided with the sunroof that protected her from the threatening downpour. The car shook as thunder rumbled overhead. Giving no trace of a break in the weather, the car drove on through the storm. When it finally passed, it left her in its place.

The storm had blown Adalyn Dawn in with the wind that year, appearing out of thin air and later disappearing just as quickly. She’d moved briskly, rooting herself in everyone around her. Her presence was not one to forget, as she would never allow such an unmemorable performance. This mysterious being, majestic in look and soft in nature was only the beginning of a bittersweet ending.

Contrary to her grand entrance, she burned bright and faded fast, though her story is forever imprinted in everyone’s mind. Her arrival altered time itself, as it ceased at her very command.

Her essence inspired and changed every being she’d come to meet. She was the change no one wanted but everyone needed. The change itself felt like frost on a brisk fall morning; the type which froze the ground, but not long after was accompanied by a pleasantly temperate spring afternoon. Her presence shaped self-perception and impacted the way one witnessed the world. She was the model everyone aspired to be.

Before anyone came into her existence, there was Adalyn. Adalyn Rose Dawn came from a lavish reality. Her father was a powerful businessman in his previous years, while her mother became a successful socialite in their affluent community. The happy couple provided an opulent, sheltered upbringing for their three children. Being the youngest of the other two, Logan Dawn and Keisha Hyland, Adalyn was far more wild than they.

Described as impenetrably powerful, confident, and perceptive in the way she held herself, she was similarly captivating, warm, and vulnerable. Words escaped her lips like dandelions after a child makes a wish, propelling them forward as the wind delicately disperses them amongst the sky. Her eyes radiated a golden hue, resembling dewy drops of fresh honey produced only by the purest of bees, and her silky brown hair waved like milk chocolate hot cocoa, drunk on a cold evening. However, her beauty lay much deeper than the surface; she was a flower if the rest of the world were weeds, a sunset-kissed sky if the whole world was achromatic. She was the cause for selfless change.

Living in a world of her own, she replenished the earth with her presence. She washed away its shadows, and with it, its worries. The universe she constructed became like a beacon of light amongst the trees, creating flavor to a bland dimension. Repeatedly drawn back to the same forest, she became engulfed as it called for her, trapped by its timeless spell. Compelled by its essence, a part of her vowed to always return.

And so it happened, on one warm, windy afternoon in August. The forests once more called for her. Absent for far too long, her voyages from home evaded the harshest of the winter months and most of the summer while she’d traveled south. Setting a path for home, the road consisted of just under a day’s travel through backroads of luscious greenery. Cars quickly became scarce as her Range Rover erratically drove onward.

Many hours had passed since she’d left the last city of East Bellvan, where previous memories pooled in her mind. The grassy road she’d turned down came to an abrupt end, forcing the car to a brisk halt. Blocking off the road was a dense thicket of broken branches and vines.

“Dawn Hills!” She cheerfully exclaimed aloud, filling the voided woods with her voice.

Dawn Hills was the land she called home. Constructed by her own brother, the Architect, she was co-founder, Lead Chairwoman of the Council, and ultimately second in Command. While the Architect was best defined as a position closely related to a mayor, the Council was a committee made of up to five bodies to assist with the town’s functionality and structure.

Void of modern civilization’s brutal impacts, the community of Dawn Hills rested in the heart of the forest. A sanctuary secluded by the trees, this place provided a sense of security to residents that sought solitude.

Adalyn’s car idled in front of the entrance, hidden by a thicket of vines that dangled from the tree branches. Tangling amongst themselves, the vines barricaded the pathway and assisted in veiling the world beyond.

Fumbling with a set of vines, she pulled them back and revealed the missing section of the grassy road. Branches arched above the path, creating a tunnel of kempt flora. Her eyes glistened at its beauty as she gaped down the passage. Wrapping the vines around a tree branch to temporarily steady them until she could drive through the other side, her car cruised on through.

Not long after gliding under the arching foliage, a small town came into view. Insulated with trees, it was hardly noticeable to the eye, yet seconds before arriving at the first building, she detoured. Making an immediate right before the town, she turned up a mountain road that led to her comfortable abode.

The ride to her villa was short. Noticeably, none of the roads in the town had stoplights, but instead, an occasional stop sign at busier intersections. The roads were paved with stones and gravel, avoiding the harsh concrete for the forest floor, as the community deliberately chose to exist within nature, not above it.

A soft summer breeze blew past her while she walked up the broken limestone pathway to her front door. As the house’s structure sat against a mountain, the foundation had been raised, and both the walkway and driveway sloped upward to meet the house. Peering up at her cozy abode, it was something purely made from dreams. With a stunning wooden exterior and colossal windows that overlooked nearly every angle of the forest, it held a modern, contemporary design. Through the wooden doors, familiar laughter rang as she made her way toward the lovely voices.

“Adalyn!” A woman instantly hollered as the front door burst open.

Before being able to set her belongings down, Adalyn was greeted by Maddie’s warm embrace. Wrapping her arms around who was arguably Adalyn’s closest friend, her hands got tangled in Maddie’s long, black hair. Pulling back, Maddie’s Latin descent really shone through in her high-risen cheekbones as she smiled at Adalyn.

“It’s good to have you back,” she replied with a sense of elation.

Opening her mouth to speak, Adalyn was flooded with more voices growing closer, those of which she hadn’t heard in quite some time. Her attention was inadvertently diverted.

“Adam Stewart? It couldn’t be…” Adalyn’s tone rose as she shockingly questioned his presence. Peering into his unforgettable jade-green eyes, she smiled.

“It is, indeed,” he replied as his lips curved into a soft grin. She took in his altered features, admiring the coarse stubble that shaded his jawline. There was a brief moment in time that Adam’s grin would’ve thrown her heart into a frenzy; a time in which both Maddie and Adalyn had been head over heels for him. Though perhaps without that moment, the two girls wouldn’t be as inseparable as they are.

Redirecting her attention, she turned toward Adam’s new girlfriend, greeting the woman with an animated smile. “Arabella,” she exclaimed. “It’s great to see you again.”

“You as well,” the woman nervously replied with a soft blush forming on her cheeks, which she concealed with her long blonde hair.

“What brought you two back?” Adalyn asked, rather pleased to see them.

“We just came back for the summer to see my sister,” Adam responded.

“Right, of course,” she replied, as if it was such an obvious question. “How long are you in town?”

“We actually leave tomorrow. We’re off to visit my dad…” his voice trailed at the end, perhaps feeling slightly guilty to be leaving so fast. Adalyn’s expression dropped.

“Bummer,” she replied. Glancing around her abode, she turned back to them. “Where is Kayla, by the way?”

“I-I think she’s still at the bakery,” Arabella chimed in. Her voice was usually rather quiet, though she held a delicate smile as she spoke.

Interrupting, Adam continued the train of thought. “We just stopped by with Maddie to help take care of Rocky before you came home, but looks like you beat us to it,” he teased.

“Oh…” Adalyn feigned a half-hearted grin. “Well, I’m glad I was able to catch you before you needed to go.”

“Me too.” He beamed as he grabbed his keys off her entryway table. Exchanging brief hugs, the couple quickly disappeared down Adalyn’s driveway.

“What’s with the rush?” Adalyn asked Maddie the moment they vanished.

“I was just about to mention that. I have _no_ clue.” Shrugging it off, Madide glanced around. “Where’s your luggage?”

“Oh, it’s still in the car. I wanted to say hi first.”

Elated, she grinned. “Can I help you carry things in?” At times, Maddie could be immensely intimidating, but the loyalty and kindness she expressed toward her friends was virtuous.

“Sure, but later. First, catch me up on everything! How’s my brother, for starters?”

“Your brother’s good. He’s been pretty busy over the summer months, though he’s had help from Kayla and I. He’s been helping with Rocky when he gets the chance, though you just missed him! He left town for a few weeks. Not sure what for… As for the rest, not a whole lot’s changed. Kayla’s been helping watch Rocky as well. Other than that, her bakery finally got off the ground.”

“Wow, I’m glad I appointed you two to the Council if it’s been this busy,” she noted. “I’m happy for Kayla and her bakery,” she later commented as she got herself situated. Glancing around for the first time since arrival, Adalyn became instantly mesmerized by her home. “I see that the interior designer actually finished around here!”

The hallway she walked down extended toward the back of the house and expanded into the living room and kitchen. Adalyn’s heels clicked on the new whitened oak flooring that covered the first level. The sun’s afternoon glow shone into the house, reflecting off of the off-white walls and illuminating the rooms with natural light. Maddie followed behind her in silence, making her way to the back door where a cheerful Golden Retriever was patiently waiting to be let inside.

Walking into the immense, open floor plan, Adalyn set her keys down on the granite island that separated the kitchen from the living room. Staring at the new furniture, she admired the light gray fabric sectional and loveseat sat, evenly positioned around a cloud-gray wooden coffee table. On the opposite side of the table sat a polished fireplace, and above the mantle, a gigantic television was mounted on the wall.

Letting out a soft sigh, she twisted her head to her left. Past the living room were two doors: one was tucked in the far left corner of the room and led down to the garage, while the other was a glass double door that led to the backyard. By now, Maddie pushed open the back door, allowing for an eager puppy to bound inside.

“Rocky!” Adalyn nearly screamed with joy. Bending down to pet her dog, Adalyn ran her fingers through his golden, silky coat.

“He’s really missed you,” Maddie commented as she watched them reunite.

“I’ve missed him too,” she exclaimed. “He’s so big now. What are you, eight months?”

“You’d know best,” Maddie teased. “How was your trip, by the way?”

Adalyn glanced up before smiling upon her recollection. “It was marvelous!”

“What did you do? It’s been a while since I saw Henry last, how is he?” Maddie wandered over toward the arching window, inspecting the wildlife bubbling below.

Henry had been a good friend from the earlier days, and an impactful individual for Adalyn. He was youthful at heart and spry with adventures. Always encouraging those around him to pursue the impossible, Adalyn couldn’t help but be entrapped by his passionate ways of life.

Maddie’s curiosity about the voyage was genuine; however, her opinions of the man were nothing but negative ever since he ran off to some island and left Adalyn’s fragile heart shattered. She’d once considered herself his friend, though now, he was nothing more than a cad.

“He’s well. Oh, he says hi,” Adalyn announced. She was clearly oblivious to Maddie’s hatred. That, or perhaps she chose to ignore it. Regardless, she continued on. “After hours of sailing to the island, we arrived at this magnificent cove. It was magical, really! His new friends were interesting to say the least.”

“How so?” Maddie questioned with a slight judgment in her tone.

“Oh, they were just very… natural, I suppose. I learned a lot about cast net fishing while out there, which was pretty fascinating! Oh and when night fell, they threw these wild parties with crazy bonfires. It was stunning. You really missed out.”

“Sounds like it,” Maddie lied. “I’m glad you had fun.” Diverting the conversation, Maddie intruded, “Hey, do you want to grab your luggage from the car now?”

Adalyn glanced toward the front door and nodded. Rising off the floor, she fetched a few bags from her car.

“Need any help?” Maddie asked as she met her in the entryway.

“No,” she shook her head. “I’m just gonna put these upstairs really quick!” To the left, just before the hallway, was a set of stairs that led to the second level.

“Oh, they got to the remodel in there, too,” Maddie hollered. With that, Adalyn quickened her pace up the staircase.

Entering the small hallway, two guest bedrooms sat to her left, while the right side held the door to her master bedroom at the end of the hall. With a detached bathroom in the middle, a small office resided nearest the stairs.

Placing the luggage in her room, she gaped at the new changes. Fuzzy white rugs newly covered her light pine floors as a cream canopy bed sat against the center of the left wall. A chaise sofa rested at the foot of the bed. Across from it, a dresser stood with a small television propped up, along with photographs of her most precious memories.

Returning down the stairs, she met with Maddie once more. “Wow, it looks amazing up there. When did they finish?”

Still pressed up against the arched window, Maddie turned toward her. “I think they finished a couple weeks ago. They were at it all summer.”

“Wow. Seriously, wow!” Adalyn was speechless.

In the entryway, the clock chimed five as the sun crept behind the mountain ranges. Maddie remained against the window, her shadow heightening as the sun set. She turned back to peer out one final time before declaring, “I think I better get home.”

“No worries. Want a ride?”

“No need, the skies seem to have cleared. I think I’ll walk. See you tomorrow?” Adalyn nodded, though Maddie was nearly halfway out the door.

Within no time at all, the sky had morphed into a navy blue. Galaxies of porcelain white stars twinkled in the distance as the moon illuminated the earth, bouncing off the treetops. She glanced out the large window in the living room, listening to the wind delicately whistle through the forest.Chapter Three

_August 10, 2014_

Upon the first week since Adalyn’s return, she received a promotion. As Logan stepped down from the position, Adalyn became The Architect. Residents spent their days laughing under the summer’s heat, enjoying summer barbecues and trips to the nearby lake. With the pleasant weather and vivacious combination of colorful leaves, campers journeyed through the forests, celebrating their last weeks before returning home for the colder months. The sun started its descent behind the trees, gradually disappearing and outlining the surrounding mountain ranges in a silhouette of tinted navy blue.

The tenth day of that month, in particular, expelled an electrifying sunset across the evening skyline. Mystic in beauty, plenty stopped to stare. Mesmerized by its allure, an unfamiliar figure slipped into town unnoticed. His hazel eyes scanned the settlement as he strolled its auburn-hued streets. Traveling alone, he passed through the expanding shadows. Nightfall inched closer, coating the land in the serene darkness.

The following morning, tunes played from the kitchen as cabinet doors closed shut and dishes clattered. Footsteps tapped against the wooden floors, and a faint jingle occasionally rang through the house as Rocky followed along. In but an instant, the garage door slammed shut as Adalyn left, and the sounds in the house ceased.

A faint ringing emitted from the clock tower as it struck eleven o’clock.

Like every Sunday, Adalyn approached the front door of Kayla's shop, Three Dog Bakery, which was located in the small shopping center that surrounded the town’s only water fountain.

The bell chimed overhead as the door opened.

“Good morning!” Adalyn chirped.

Covered in floury dough, Kayla raised her head. Strands of her brunette hair that coiled like fusilli pasta fell in front of her face as she brushed them aside. “Good morning, Addy! How’s it going?” Wiping her hands clean of the stringy dough, she met Adalyn down at the display case.

Inspecting the grand selection of assorted pastries, Adalyn motioned to a rather delicious-looking Cheese Danish. “Can I get that by chance? And it’s going well so far. How’s the bakery?”

“Busier than ever, especially since I’m working as both Lead Chairwoman and Business owner now. I’m angry at Adam for leaving so soon!” She reached inside the case, pulled out the Cheese Danish, and wrapped it in a paper sleeve.

“Why’s that?”

“Well, he’s off to visit our dad, but my mom’s not pleased with his arrival… And aside from the family drama, he was supposed to help unpack a few things here, which he absolutely didn’t!” She huffed. Contrary to their referral of one another, the two of them were only half-siblings, as Adam was a result of an affair had by their father. With an exhausted huff, she altered the topic. “I assume you heard about the newcomer?”

“No, no one informed me.” Catching word of their presence was like a game of telephone, though news of their arrival became intriguing.

“I’m not too surprised, he hasn’t really made himself known yet. I found out through the grapevine.”

“Did you happen to catch a name?”

“I didn’t catch it, just overheard a brief conversation.”

“Oh. I’m sure I’ll run into him eventually.” Shifting the topic of conversation again, the two of them tended to take these quiet moments in the shop as ample time to gossip. “Did you hear about Maddie?”Adalyn questioned.

“No, what's the news with her?”

“Oh, nothing crazy. I believe she's seeing that new guy, Max, though.”

“Well, good for her!” The bell jingled as the door swung open, bringing their conversation to an instant halt.

Adalyn’s eyes fell upon the customer, then back at Kayla. “I’d better get going.” She dismissed herself as the customer approached.

“Have a lovely day,” Kayla called out, though Adalyn was nearly halfway out the door as she waved a farewell.

As noon hit, Adalyn stood outside the infamous ice cream shop to unite with her brother. Cathy's Ice Cream Shop became an iconic scene in the summertime, bringing in masses to its windows from open to close. Arriving a few minutes earlier than scheduled, Adalyn stepped in the extensive line to hold a place while she waited.

A soft tap on her shoulder drove her to turn around as she was met with a pair of soft hazel eyes. “Is this the line to Cathy’s?” the unfamiliar man politely asked. His lightly tanned skin radiated as he peered up the line.

“Yeah, you found the right place,” Adalyn replied as her eyes scanned the man up and down. Accentuated by the sun’s golden rays, his hues assembled a vibrant masterpiece of blended color, and while so wild, they were equally kind and endearing. Just an inch short of six feet, he towered nearly half a foot over her.

“Thank you. I’m Zack, by the way.” He gently brushed his short, dark-brown hair to the right side of his face as he spoke. The stubble across his cheeks emphasized not only a distinct jawline, but his high-risen cheekbones when he smiled at her.

“Pleasure to meet you. Are you new around here?”

Zack silently nodded. “Is it that obvious?” His thin nose faintly scrunched with nervousness.

“Oh, no. I just—it’s just such a small town, you tend to know when you see a new face.”

Nodding once more, he couldn’t quite find the proper words to respond with. Coming to with a secondary response, he aimlessly commented on the line. “Is it normal to be this long?” There was a hint of a foreign accent to his voice, which vaguely intrigued her.

“Sadly, yes,” she replied. Despising small talk, the novelty of this man’s presence exempted him from her animosity as she carried on with it. “It’s the only ice cream place around, and sort of a big deal here.” Peering over at him, she softly grinned, followed by a gentle laugh.

“Ah, so it’s tradition at this rate.” Zack fed into the commentary with a joking undertone. “Then, I shall wait in this abnormally long line to get a taste of the culture!”

Facing forward again, a blushing smile crossed her lips as her phone pinged. A text message from Logan covered her lock screen. _So sorry, sis. Won’t make it. Something came up. Rain check. Dinner on me?_

Emitting a heavy sigh, she had almost expected it from him, as even in retirement, his schedule remained packed tight.

“Is something wrong?” Zack probed from behind her.

“It’s nothing.” Frustration clearly filled her voice. Running her hand through her hair, she sighed. “My brother just rain-checked on our plans again.”

“Sorry to hear.”

“Yeah, me too.” She glanced down at her phone again, checking the time. The clock was ten past noon as she emitted another heavy sigh. “I guess I don’t need to be in line anymore, then.”

“Well…” His dragging tone halted her before she walked away. “If you're already here, you might as well get some ice cream.”

“But—” she began, her eyes scanning the enormous line. Recognizing her lack of hospitality to the newcomer, she caved. “You’re right, might as well since I’m already here.”

“What are you thinking of getting?”

“Don’t judge... I’m super bland, so Mint Chocolate Chip.”

“No judgment here,” he exclaimed, squinting at the menu ahead of them. “I was gonna go for Cookies n’ Cream; just as boring of a flavor.”

Grinning softly, she allowed a few seconds to pass as she mustered up a proper question to ask that would continue to drive their discussion. “How are you liking it so far—actually, how long have you been here?”

“Got in late last night, but from the singular ice cream shop I’ve come across, it's pretty nice.”

“Oh, so you're _new_!” Accenting on the last word, Adalyn’s voice playfully teased him.

“Indeedly so.”

“It’s like,” she took another glance at her watch, “half past noon and you’ve only seen this ice cream shop?”

“Admittedly, that was a slight exaggeration. Though, this is the first place I’ve stopped to check out.”

“Well, it's definitely worth it for your first place.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I caught your name?” Zack probed, having interacted with this woman for nearly a half-hour and hadn't learned her name.

“Adalyn,” she replied, projecting a half-shrug upon the vocalization of her name. “Adalyn Dawn.”

“Pleasure meeting you, Adalyn.” Her name rolled off his tongue like maple syrup, daintily trickling down a stack of pancakes.

“And, I apologize, you told me but I meet so many individuals, I’ve become terrible at names. What’s yours again?”

“I’m Zack. Zackary Blake in full.”

“What brought you here, Zack?”

“I was traveling,” he began, “and happened to stumble upon this place. I know someone here, actually.”

“Oh, who?”

“His name is Max.”

She held back an erupting grin, recollecting on her friend, Maddie. Collecting herself, she altered her posture as she dispassionately responded, “I think I’ve met him around. That’s really nice that you know someone. Are you staying with Max, then?”

“No, I took a room at the Inn for now.”

The Inn in reference was Mountain Crest Inn, the only bed and breakfast in town. Located out west, it sat at the cusp of the business district, positioned just before the town splintered off into large properties.

They were only two spots away from the front of the line as they’d gradually and unconsciously inched forward.

“Oh, Mountain Crest Inn. How is that?”

“It’s alright. Quaint, but comfortable.”

“Next!” the man at the booth hollered, gaining their attention.

Taking the initiative, he stepped forward, cutting Adalyn off. “Good afternoon,” Zack stated. At first, she was partially annoyed by his rude gesture to butt ahead but was mature enough to concede. Zack continued, “I’ll get the Cookies n’ Cream, and she’ll have the Mint Chocolate Chip.”

Taking her by surprise, she smiled. “Oh, thank you.”

“Of course,” he replied, handing over her ice cream and setting down the cash on the counter. “It's the least I can do.” Stepping out of the line to allow the next individual forth, she followed alongside him. Silently motioning to a table nearby for them to rest their feet, they took a seat. “So, are you from here?”

Taking a lick from the dripping ice cream, she responded, “Sort of. At least not far from here. How about you?”

“New York. The city of impolite people and large rodents.”

“I was about to ask why you left, but I think your disgust answered that for me.” Her head tilted sideways as she attempted to catch the ice cream before it dripped off her cone.

“Have you ever been?”

“No, but I’d at least love to visit.”

“Well, it's a wonderful place to travel, but perhaps not too great of one to live in,” he forewarned. A sense of curiosity washed over him as he pressed to know further about her past. “Have you ever left these woods? Like, to travel?”

“Of course I have!” she spoke abruptly. “My family raised my siblings and I in these forests, but I’ve traveled plenty since then. I was only recently lured back here when my brother presented his design for this town, a few years back.”

Invested in what she had to say, he interrupted. “Wait, your family established this town?”

She casually nodded, “That’s right. Adalyn Dawn… Dawn Hills.”

“I don’t know how I didn’t put those pieces together.” He chuckled, feeling fairly foolish for asking. “Do you have any other siblings?”

“I do! I’m the youngest of three. Aside from my brother, Logan, there is my sister, Keisha, who is the oldest of us.”

“Oh. Is she here too?”

“No,” Adalyn nervously laughed. “Last I heard, she was still in Shadow Mountain. I haven't spoken to her since—” she paused, hesitant to continue, though doing so anyway. “Since a few years after my parents passed. We used to live in Shadow Mountain together, until I left.”

“My apologies about your family,” he interrupted, recognizing the deep waters he began treading.

“No need, it was a decade ago.”

Zack opened his mouth to speak, instantly shutting it closed.

“A wildfire,” Adalyn interrupted, knowing all too well what the following question would have contained. “A wildfire swept the town when I was fifteen.”

“Oh.” Silence struck the conversation. “I’m sorry to hear.” With efforts to alter the topic toward a more positive light, he informed, “I have a brother and a sister back home who are both younger than me.”

“Really? I’d love to have a younger sibling to boss around.”

“I admit, it was a lot of fun to do so.”

“Any fun stories?”

A smile erupted across his face as he recollected the numerous memories of his siblings. “There was this one time,” he began, expressively engaged, “my sister and I decided to scare our little brother with a frightening mask into doing our chores for a week. Unsure how we achieved it, and believe me, our parents weren’t happy when they found out.”

A vivid smile appeared across her face as he told his story. She laughed a genuine giggle when he finished, acknowledging the humor of the situation. Zack’s gripping personality intrigued her as he continued telling compelling tales of his past. Something about the eager nature to which he presented himself allured her.

Long finished with the ice cream, she remained seated with the man as their absorbing conversations carried on. Ranging from personal interests and passions to atrocious family life, they fortuitously bonded. Time whirled past as they continued to chatter.

The clock struck a quarter to three as Adalyn’s upcoming obligations crept up. Interrupting mid-conversation, she checked the time. “I really apologize, I am having a wonderful time getting to know you, but I have a friend arriving at three today.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” he unnecessarily apologized for taking up her valuable time.

“No, don't be.” They rose from their seats. Glancing over at him, their gaze momentarily glued to one another. A sensation of butterflies fluttered in her stomach lining as she interrupted the silence. “I had a pleasant time getting ice cream with you.”

“You as well. Maybe we can do a lunch next time?”

A grin appeared across her lips. She attempted to suppress it, but it overpowered her. Looking like a gorgeous fool, she mustered up the words to speak, “I’d love to.”

“Sunday?” he urgently pressed before she could walk away.

“I believe that will work perfectly for me!” She gathered her belongings as she turned to leave.

“See you then.” He waved her adieu as she took off, disappearing in between the crowded masses and boxy cars.Chapter Four

_August 17, 2014_

Located at the southeast corner of Main Street and Maple Drive, Granny’s Diner stood to be not only the epicenter of activity year-round but also one of the original landmarks in town. Set aside from the rest of its neighboring businesses, it maintained a Fifties-esque diner style, bringing back the timeless theme with neon signs, checkered flooring, leather booths, and priceless mementos scattered about.

Standing outside the turquoise-painted diner, Adalyn’s eyes drifted toward the two neon stripes that ran across the top as she took a deep inhale and pushed the front door open. A soft jingle emitted from the bell overhead, and she scanned her surroundings. Being rather empty for a Sunday afternoon, she let out the breath that she’d been holding onto.

“Hey, Adalyn.” Ruby’s familiarly soothing tone greeted her.

Her vision panned over to the hostess podium, and with a smile, Adalyn walked one step closer. “Hey.”

“Your usual seat?” Ruby asked, reaching for a menu, though pausing when Adalyn shook her head.

“I’m meeting someone today. He should already be here…”

“Light brown hair, sweet smile, persistently looking like a lost puppy?”

Adalyn giggled at Ruby’s description. “That would be the one!”

“He’s sitting outside.” Ruby stepped back from the podium, directing Adalyn toward the wooden picnic tables that rested out back during the summer months.

“Thank you,” she replied as she followed the waitress through the back doors.

Seated under a patio umbrella outside, Zack was mindlessly staring off at a rabbit across the street when Adalyn approached. It wasn’t until she hit his peripheral that he’d even noticed her presence. Jolting up, he greeted her with a delighted smile.

“Hey, you made it!”

She returned the expression as she took her seat. “I’m sorry I’m late. I got stuck with work. How’s your week been?” she furthered.

Looking up from the menu in his hands, he pondered for a moment before answering. “It’s been alright.”

“Do any more exploring?” she asked.

“Sort of,” he responded. “I’ve checked out a bit of the town, but mostly been settling in.”

“Right, of course.”

“How about you? You mentioned a friend coming into town, how was it?”

“Oh yeah… My friend, Joyce, just moved back from the States. She’s been staying with me lately, so not too bad.”

Zack simply nodded. “No one wants to be in the States anymore,” he commented, chuckling lightly to himself.

Approaching from their peripheral, Ruby stood beside their table, hovering over them with a pad and pencil in her hand. “Are you guys ready?”

“Uh,” Adalyn glanced over at Zack for an answer, though his face was expressionless. “I-I’m ready if you are?”

“Oh, sure, yeah. Go ahead.”

“Okay, I’ll just get the B.L.T. with a water.” Ruby jotted down a few letters on her notepad before craning her head toward Zack.

“Uh, j-just the cheeseburger and a water as well,” he replied with a bit of a stutter.

“How would you like it cooked?”

“Medium rare.”

Just like every waitress at a diner, she slammed her pen against the pad, clicking it closed as she took the menus off their tables. “I’ll be back with those shortly,” she responded with a synthetic grin as she walked off.

Avoiding a silence, Adalyn asked, “So, are you looking to stay here more permanently or just for the season?”

Zack shrugged his shoulders. He hadn’t thought that far ahead nor been there long enough to make a conclusive decision. “I’m not sure. I’m still checking it out for now.”

“Understood,” she responded as Ruby placed down two cups of water. Taking a sip, she continued. “It’s a great place if you do decide to stay. Gets kinda empty during the winter months, though. I must warn you.”

He softly chuckled as he, too, took a sip of water. “Nothing wrong with that.”

“Yeah, nothing wrong with it,” she repeated.

Two dishes clattered against the wooden table as Ruby set them down in front of the two and promptly walked off.

“So, what’s your plan for today?” Adalyn asked. Taking the first bite, his mouth was full of food as he looked up at her with a stressed expression. “I’m sorry, finish first,” She giggled.

Hurriedly swallowing his food, he took a sip of his water and calmly replied. “I was headed to the pet store next.”

“Really, what for?”

“To look at pets, of course,” he teased.

“Well, sure,” she smiled. “Are you thinking of adopting?”

“Perhaps.”

“Are you more of a cat or dog person?”

“Definitely dog,” he exclaimed. “Do you have any pets?”

“I have Rocky!”

“What’s a _Rocky_?”

She giggled. “It’s my Golden Retriever puppy.”

“Oh,” his body seemed to relax toward her response. “I was nearly worried you’d tell me it’s some sort of reptile.”

“No,” she laughed. “Are you afraid of reptiles?”

“Would you judge me if I said yes?” She shook her head. “It’s really snakes that bug me most.”

“Really? I don’t think that’s an irrational one, though.” Realizing they’d fallen off-topic, Adalyn attempted to rein them back in. “So, you’re adopting?”

“Maybe. I want to at least look at my options. Nothing’s for certain yet.”

“That’s fair,” she replied. Taking a bite of her food, they fell silent.

“What are you planning to do today?” he asked after a moment.

“Um,” she pondered, “I don’t think I have much else planned. I finished most of my work for the day.”

“Would you like to come with to the pet store?”

Taken aback by the invite, she paused before taking another bite. Wiping her mouth and retaining a calm posture, she nodded. “Sure, I’d love to.”

“Great.” The table fell silent as they finished their food.

In almost no time at all, and perhaps speedier than most, their plates were nearly cleaned up. Twirling on the straw in her cup, Adalyn stared off across the street, patiently waiting for Zack to finish his remaining bites.

“Are you ready?” he asked only a brief moment later. She simply nodded. “How do we pay here?”

“Oh, they just put it on my tab.”

“Tab? Fancy,” he teased. Gathering the bits of their belongings and making their way to the exit, they stepped onto Main Street. “Where’s it at again?”

“The pet store? Just down this way.”

Following Adalyn’s lead only a few blocks down, the bell to World of Pets chimed as Zack propped open the door to step inside. A colossal selection of animals lined the store walls, housing a variety of pets.

Disappearing like a child in a candy store, Zack became lost amongst the sky-tall shelving which towered over his own stature, while Adalyn strolled about without a purpose, simply glancing at the creatures confined within the cages. If she’d had more time and perhaps more space, she contemplated getting a second animal. Deep in her own thoughts about the idea, she was startled by Zack’s sudden voice as he resurfaced beside her. “Anything catchin’ your eye?”

Recovering from her startle, she shook her head. “Any luck for you?”

His eyes motioned in the direction of the kennels before falling back to her gaze. “There's a dog back there that caught my eye.”

“Oh? Show me!”

Unintentionally reaching for her hand to lead her, he immediately halted and retracted his reach. A moment of tense silence engulfed them as she, too, was taken aback, only to be quickly followed by his evasive response. “She’s over there.”

Zack casually walked off as if it didn’t happen.

Following him, they knelt beside a kennel, coming face to face with a youthful Golden Retriever-German Shepherd mix.

_Sophie, eight months old._

Both of Sophie’s ears bent down, just like Rocky’s, yet her coat pattern familiarly matched a bi-colored red German Shepherd. The infamous black saddle caped over her back, while her face created a muddy shade of tawny brown with a soot-black snout.

“She’s stunning,” Adalyn admitted. “Are you planning to adopt her?”

“I was thinkin’ of it!” His gaze was captivated by the puppy in the kennel.

“You should,” she urged, noticing his undeniable fixation with the dog.

He pondered the idea for another moment, then glanced over at her. “I—” he stuttered. “Alright…” Standing up, he glanced around for an associate. “I’ll be right back.”

She nodded as she gazed back at the young dog. Staring for what felt like only minutes, she watched as an employee stood at the other end of the kennel and removed Sophie.

On a blue, paper-thin leash, Sophie expressed her most exuberant bouts of excitement. _Freedom._

“So?” Adalyn probed as Zack re-appeared. “Gonna test her out in the play area?”

“Nope,” Zack replied. “She’s comin’ home with me!”

“You mean…?”

“Yup!”

Tail vigorously wagging, Sophie’s soulful eyes beamed with admiration.

By the time they’d left the pet store, the sun was beginning to set lower in the sky, leaving only a short hour left of sunlight, to which they spent in Kane Park, the largest field in town. There, the three of them blithely romped around until the heat slowly exhausted them and the evening grew darker. Night eventually began its descent upon the community as the sun slowly plunged behind the horizon, resulting in orange and pink clouds bursting across the skyline.

The evening concluded at Adalyn’s doorstep with delayed farewells, prolonged to an extent that _goodbye_ was the only thing left to say. From the doorsteps, she observed him walk off, disappearing into the faded darkness and devoured by the forest’s trees.About the Author

Finding her aspirations to write at just five years old, Rynn picked up the idolization of becoming an author at a young age.

After graduating in 2021 with an Undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Sociology and Literature, she finally decided to take the plunge and dedicate her time to cultivating her passion.

Following her life-long dreams, she is introducing her first novel in 2023, _Memories of Yesterday_, a book loosely written about her own first love story.