The drive back from the cabin was shrouded in a comfortable silence, the kind that needed no words. Elena's gaze was fixed on the passing scenery, her thoughts tangled with the memories of the weekend.
Drew's hand rested on the steering wheel, his other hand occasionally reaching out to brush her fingers, a silent gesture of connection that made her heart flutter every time.
But as they approached the city, reality began to settle back in, pressing against the fragile bubble they had created for themselves.
Drew's phone buzzed multiple times, each notification a reminder of the world they had momentarily escaped. His jaw clenched slightly as he glanced at the screen, but he didn't pick up.
Elena noticed, her brows knitting in concern.
"You can answer if you want," she said softly, her voice cutting through the stillness.
Drew shook his head. "It can wait."
The tension in his voice was subtle but unmistakable. Elena's curiosity burned, but she held back the questions swirling in her mind.
The rest of the drive continued in silence until they reached her apartment.
Drew pulled up to the curb, cutting the engine before turning to face her.
His expression softened, the hardness in his eyes fading. "Thanks for coming with me," he said, his voice a shade deeper than usual.
Elena smiled, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Thanks for bringing me. It was…amazing."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like neither wanted to break the connection.
Drew leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss that spoke of promises unspoken. When they pulled apart, Elena's cheeks were flushed, her breath uneven.
"I'll call you later?" Drew asked, his hand lingering on hers.
"Definitely."
Elena stepped out of the car, watching as he drove off before heading inside. Her mind was still replaying the weekend—his gentle touches, the quiet confessions, the way the world had seemed to pause just for them.
But peace was fleeting.
Her phone buzzed as she entered her living room. The screen lit up with her mother's name. Elena hesitated before answering. "Hey, Mom."
"Elena," her mother's voice was sharp, laced with urgency. "Have you seen the news?"
"No…why?" Elena moved to the couch, her heart picking up speed. Her mother's voice was never like this—always calm, always composed.
"There was an accident," her mother continued. "A pile-up on the bridge. It's all over the news."
Elena's breath caught. "Was anyone hurt?"
"Several people… I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine," Elena assured her, though her hands shook slightly. "I wasn't anywhere near the bridge."
Her mother sighed, the tension easing. "Good. I just…wanted to be sure. Be safe, Elena."
"I will."
They ended the call, but the unease lingered. Elena switched on the television, the news flashing images of the wreckage—crumpled cars, emergency responders working frantically, the screech of sirens cutting through the haze of smoke.
It was surreal, and for a moment, she was grateful Drew had taken the backroads to get her home.
Hours passed, and Drew hadn't called. Elena's fingers hovered over her phone, contemplating whether to text him. Just as she worked up the nerve, her phone vibrated—his name flashing across the screen.
"Hey," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Hey," his tone was distant, guarded. "Sorry, I've been caught up with…stuff."
"No worries. I saw the news. Is everything okay?"
There was a pause, too long to be comfortable. "Yeah…just a lot going on."
Elena bit her lip, uncertainty clawing at her. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Drew's sigh was soft but heavy. "Not right now. But soon. I promise."
"Okay," she whispered. "I'm here if you need me."
"I know. I'll talk to you later."
The call ended, leaving her with more questions than answers.
Elena stared at the screen, her mind racing. There was something Drew wasn't telling her—something lurking beneath the surface.
She just hoped that when he was ready, he would trust her enough to share it.
And for the first time, a flicker of doubt crept into her heart.