Chapter 29.2: The first snow

The voice was low and tender, but it broke the silence of the night and echoed in Jake's head, giving birth to a bone-shaking fear that overwhelmed his entire soul, almost making him fall apart. He finally noticed Ryder sitting on the swing seat, hugging her knees. He unconsciously tensed and took a step back, but his back hit the fence. Maybe it was because he didn't expect Ryder to be out here or maybe it was because of the thoughts and speculations that felt as if a hand was squeezing his heart, but his knees went soft, and Jake fell on the ground.

His teeth bit deep in his lip, but tears welled up in his eyes and flowed down his cheeks involuntarily. For a moment it was as if they were back on the first night they met.

One girl.

One boy.

One staring.

One crying.

Both frozen in time.

Both looking at each other in disbelief.

And just like back then, the crying young man broke the silence with the same two words.

"I'm sorry."

Ryder felt her chest tighten. Her heart hurt with every he