Maya clutched her boarding pass tightly, her heart heavy as she navigated through the crowded airport. The bustling environment mirrored the whirlwind of emotions within her—anxious, regretful, and uncertain. Last night’s argument with Fin replayed in her mind like a haunting echo. Harsh words were exchanged, and while she regretted them, pride had kept her from reaching out.

The announcement for her flight broke her thoughts. She glanced around the terminal one last time, scanning the sea of faces. Fin wasn’t there. A pang of disappointment hit her chest. He always knew how to be there for her, even when she tried to push him away.

With a deep sigh, Maya stepped onto the plane, her steps slow and reluctant. She found her seat by the window, gazing out as the ground crew prepared for takeoff. Her chest tightened with a mix of sadness and anticipation for the new life awaiting her in a distant city.

The overhead announcement signaled the final boarding call, and soon after, a figure approached her row. Maya didn’t bother looking up until a familiar voice murmured, “Excuse me, I think this is my seat.”

Her head whipped around, her breath catching as she met Fin’s eyes. He was slightly out of breath, his travel bag slung over one shoulder.

“Fin?” she whispered, barely believing it.

He shrugged, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Couldn’t let you leave without me, could I?”

Maya’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she couldn’t help but laugh through the sobs that escaped her. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“I’ve been told,” Fin replied, settling into the seat beside her. “But I couldn’t let our fight be the last thing between us.”

The flight passed in a blur of laughter, shared dreams, and whispered apologies. Fin’s presence made Maya feel lighter, his optimism grounding her when her worries took flight.

When they landed in her new city, Fin stuck by her side, helping her settle into her small apartment and exploring the unfamiliar streets. His reassurance and humor turned her fear of the unknown into an adventure she never thought she’d enjoy.

But the day eventually came when Fin had to leave. Standing at the doorway of her apartment, Maya clung to him, wishing time would freeze.

“You’ve got this, Maya,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Her tears threatened to spill as she whispered, “I don’t want you to go. Can’t you stay?”

“You know I would if I could,” Fin said, his voice thick with emotion. “But this is your journey, and I’ll always be just a call away.”

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead before stepping back. As he disappeared down the hallway, Maya felt the emptiness settle in. But within that emptiness was also hope, because Fin’s love was something she carried with her no matter how far apart they were.

And though their paths diverged, Maya knew this was only the beginning of a story still being written, one where their hearts remained connected, no matter the distance.

-AMS