We woke up close to noon the following day, and I felt Atlas’s arms wrapped around me. I doubted he would let go if Fred didn’t call me.

I told Atlas I still had work to do and had to return to Foswood in the evening. He released me and got up, offering to have lunch with me.

My relationship with Atlas made me feel conflicted. I wondered what we were to each other. It felt like the puzzle pieces just fit. He hadn’t made commitments, and there were no declarations of love.

Whenever I saw him, I didn’t know how to refuse him. For some reason, I felt comfortable being with him. He didn't ask for my consent again and simply took action. So, I dared not ask him about the nature of our relationship.

It was already late at night when I reached Foswood. I was so exhausted that I could barely speak. My mom looked at me with a heavy heart and shook her head, saying, “Chlo, why are you pushing yourself so hard?

“Do you want to come home with your dad and me? Life is short, so isn’t comfort a