A promise to Nev carried a weight my own plans never managed. I had broken every promise I made to myself. Hers, I'd never once let slip. Even before last year.
Holding her hand as we walked back was the only thing keeping me moving forward. I didn't want to face my parents. But with her by my side, I could do it. We'd faced worse together escaping the rift.
"I'll tell them when I get home."
Nev nodded. "It won't be that bad. We had an adventure, we survived, and all gained from the experience. What are they going to say?"
I snorted. "It will start with 'you're grounded' and go up from there."
"You're building it up more than it is." We walked on. "Do you want me there?"
"Yes. No. I mean…"
She looked sideways and smiled. "Don't go getting all tongue-tied again. I've put too much effort into getting you to open up this past year."
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