Chapter 1

“Aunt Carol, I’ve made up my mind. I’m ready to leave the Hayes family and come live with you overseas.”

On the other end of the line, Aunt Carol’s voice bubbled with pure joy, her words a rapid-fire string of eager advice.

“Perfect, Aria! I’ll get your visa sorted right away, it should take about a month. Use this time to hang out with your friends and classmates. Once you’re settled in New Zealand, it’ll be tough to see them again, so make sure you catch up properly and say your goodbyes.”

“And especially your Uncle Jasper. He practically raised you. You owe him so much for everything, don’t forget to thank him properly.”

I mumbled a quiet ‘okay’ a few times.

As soon as the call disconnected, I got up from the balcony, drifting back into the living room.

My eyes automatically fell on the framed photo sitting on the coffee table.

In the picture, the sunset sky was blazing orange and pink, painting both our faces with a soft, warm glow.

Seventeen-year-old Jasper stood under the swing set, a wide smile on his face as he gently pushed seven-year-old me.

My little dress billowed around me in the breeze, brushing against the bright tulips in the garden.

Even after all these years, I could still feel the sheer joy I’d felt the day that picture was taken.

But time changes everything, doesn't it? Jasper and I? We could never go back to that. Not anymore.