Five years ago

AMORA SNAPPED UPRIGHT, then gripped her covers, listening in. Moments later, she was on her feet, heading to the bedroom door. It was her mother, she realized, mumbling in her sleep. Despite the situation, she let out a chuckle, knowing all-too-well this wasn't uncommon. Deep down, though, she knew her voice just sounded off.

That was when she heard it: a short, icy cry.

After unlocking her door and stepping out, Amora trudged down the hallway and nudged her mother's door, which was already cracked open.

The tiny night light on her end table was the only illumination, so she had to squint.

The woman was curled up on her side, covers wrapped tightly over her. All of a sudden, she was illy quiet; no more incoherent words, no more heavy breathing...

For a moment, Amora just stared inside, blinking hard. "Mom, you okay?"

There was no response.

Amora crossed her arms. "Well, I guess... I'll just go back to bed."

Again, there was nothing.

Before leaving, Amora gave one last glance and sighed. At least it was summer vacation.

-

Amora tiptoed down the staircase as she peered over her shoulder. It was too early for any respectable person to be wide-awake, but after her mother's episode, she couldn't sleep. And if she were to wake up, Amora would have to confess.

It was only 5:00 AM, after all.

When Amora had touched the bottom floor, cool against her bare feet, she hugged herself. It was as though she were preparing to commit some malicious crime, like robbing a bank or sneaking out of the house. She had already done the latter that one time... with Willow.

She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts.

It was time for breakfast.

After grabbing the pre-made batter, a pan and spatula, and some vegetable oil, she went to work. However, while preparing the pancakes, sprinkled with chocolate chips, her mind spun.

Willow.

It was the same name that would make her blood boil. However, after two months, summer break underway, it now just made her sigh. If only she hadn't snuck out of the house that one night; if only she and Bridger hadn't planned a date at Fiesta Cancun.

It only caused everyone heartache.

No longer were she and Willow friends; no longer was Bridger alive and well...

It's too late now.

Head hanging, Amora sat down at the table, then slowly took a bite. "It's really burnt," she mumbled, pushing the plate aside. "Maybe one day you'll stop making that mistake."

That wasn't the only mistake she was making, though, and she knew it.

Phone pulled out, Amora closed her eyes, huffed, then scrolled through her contacts until she saw it: Willow. Before she could fully think it through, she unblocked the number and sent her a text.

Willow had two and a half hours. If she didn't meet her there by 7:30, then she'd drive back home and mentally prepare herself for the rest of summer. It was Willow's last chance.

This was assuming she hadn't moved onto somebody else, Amora reminded herself. She'd know soon enough.

-

She peered through the rear-view mirror for the umpteenth time, grinning. "You excited, Nara? Yeah?"

In response, the puppy let out a quick bark, then sprang onto her lap from the backseat.

For a moment, Amora swerved on the highway. "Nara, no!" she yelped. "Get in the back!"

Instead, Nara went in circles, panting, before sprawling out on her lap.

Amora sighed but focused on the road. "Whatever, we're... almost there anyway."

As if on cue, her phone chirped to life, full volume. After flinching, then taking it in, she dug through her pocket and muttered incoherent words.

"Dear?"

Amora exhaled. "Yes, Mother?"

"Where are you? I left the car keys on the counter... and now they're gone. Where are you going?"

"The school lake to relax," Amora said, ready to sigh. Surely, her mother wasn't going to approve.

"Dear, you really shouldn't-"

"And the car keys weren't on the counter. They were on the couch! You've been forgetting things lately." But then she paused, choosing her next words. "I'll be back soon enough."

"Wait, dear," her mother went on. "I had a horrible nightmare last night and it's already coming true. Don't go to that lake."

"I'm sorry, Mother."

"Promise me."

Amora gave a dry smirk, hands white over the wheel. "I promise I'll be back in a couple of hours." With that, she hung up, dismissing the warning. Today was supposed to be a day of forgiveness; not mourn. She wasn't about to let some superstition ruin her plans.

Besides, Willow had already replied.

-

You know where I'll be.

Amora stood there, leaning against the car door, as she read off her message. Just underneath it was a response from Willow, giving a simple 'okay'. Whatever was meant by that, she wasn't sure, but it was time to find out. Finally, after composing herself, she released Nara from the car, then carefully harnessed her with a leash and collar.

"You ready, girl?" Amora asked, mustering a smile. "Then let's go!"

Car keys and phone in one hand, she held the puppy's leash in the other as she trudged down to the pebbled path. Alongside it were short-stubbed bushes, giving off a sweet scent, with tall, sturdy trees up ahead. Only when a rodent scurried across did Nara struggle from her grip.

"No, Nara... just-" Suddenly, she was at a loss for words.

"Amora?"

Amora paled, at a standstill.

There, sitting over one of the hefty stones beside the lake, was Willow, a worn bag at her feet. "It's about time you showed up." Slowly, she dusted off her bare pants and stood. "I've been here for quite some time."

Amora cocked her head before pulling out her phone. 7:34 AM. "I'm only four minutes late. Why-... How long have you been here?"

"Long enough."

Amora closed her hanging mouth, holding up a hand. "Okay, I'm not liking this already. And trust me, I've got more of a reason! Now, I just thought it was worth a try... y'know? I thought we could make some sort of amends."

Willow, golden locks tied into a bun, played with a few loose strands. "We can certainly try, but I don't plan on apologizing for something that was hardly my fault."

"Excuse me?"

"How was I supposed to know? I didn't. I set you two up because I wholeheartedly wanted you guys to be together." Willow pursed her lips, contemplating. "And that was my ex-boyfriend, might I add."

"Oh, we're not going there. Just-"

Nara began to yip at Willow, again struggling from her grasp.

With a sigh, Amora let go of the leash and watched as the puppy scurried to Willow's feet. Despite the situation, she smiled.

Willow bent down, burying her face into Nara's, before lifting her gaze to Amora. "This isn't, is it?"

Amora swallowed hard. "It is."

Moments later, Willow stood, suddenly indifferent to Nara. "Bridger's family gave y-you Nara?" she stuttered. "But why?"

"Because I was going on a date with him, that's why," Amora deadpanned. "Besides, he and Faya were done with by then."

"That's the reason? Really?"

"Well, Faya was also allergic to dogs..." Amora admitted, fidgeting with her fingers. But then she straightened. "Let's sit over there, on those stones, and have a conversation. Yeah? Then we can go from there."

"Why on those stones?"

"Or in the lake for all I care. Just somewhere! It's been months, Willow!"

"And whose fault is that?" Willow muttered but complied. Soon enough, she was seated and watching her with a raised brow. "Well, are you coming?"

For a while, Amora just stared back, struggling, before closing the gap. Nara followed along, panting. "So, how have these last couple of months been?"

Willow gave a crooked smile, considering. "Well, funny you ask. I've been entirely splendid!"

"Well, I don't know about you, but I've been dreadful-"

"Have a seat, will you?" Willow interrupted, patting the stone beside her. "I didn't wake up at a reasonable time for this nonsense!"

Amora huffed but slowly sat down, never leaving her gaze. "Willow?"

"Yes?"

"How have you really been? Please, let's have a conversation. A real one!"

In response, Willow remained silent, before sighing. "Well..." It was her turn to fiddle with her fingers. "It hasn't been easy, believe me. Waking up every morning and remembering what happened that one night... and that phone call. You were so blunt about it, too. So stupidly blunt... You didn't sugarcoat it, or anythin-"

"Why would I?" Amora searched her face, her own crumbled. "You played a role in his death, so why would I lay it on you kindly... that he died?"

"Yeah, well, you played a role too, Amora, whether you admit it or not." The words came out too fast, so Willow paused, suddenly lowering her eyes. "I'm sorry, I just... I don't think it's healthy to talk about this so much."

"Oh, yeah? Well, then what else is there?" Amora snapped. "What were you expecti-"

"I figured we'd talk for a while and maybe have some fun. I mean, we're at a lake!"

"Some fun?"

"Yeah!"

"Like what kind of fu-"

With that, Willow stooped low, then drowned her out with a splash. "Maybe a little of that?" She was already smirking.

Amora only stared at her, then at her clothes. "What was that for?"

"What was what for?" Willow gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Are you talking about this?" Then she did it again, this time shielding herself.

"You were expecting us to go around splashing each other?" Amora asked, narrowing her eyes. "Really? I'm not that naive."

"Oh, yeah?" In a beat, Willow was digging through her bag, before holding it up: a light blue swimsuit. "Why else would I bring this?"

For the second time, Amora closed her hanging mouth. "You never fail to deliver, do you? Why did I even question it?" For a moment, she looked ahead, taking it in. "You... want us to have fun, Willow?" Now she was studying her face, a sudden grin on her own. "Because I would love to have fun..."

Slowly, Willow stuffed the swimsuit back into her bag but kept her eyes on Amora. "You know, now I'm not so sure..." She looked her over. "Just by your tone and your grin, I can tell-"

"-that I'm about to have some fun?"

There was a long pause, each locking eyes.

Then, all-too-sudden, Amora plunged into the lake, taking Willow down with her. In the background, Nara yipped before joining them in the water. "Who needs a swimsuit, anyway?"

"Wait, please let go!" Willow pleaded, struggling from the hands around her stomach. "This is freezing! I-"

"You what?" Amora teased.

"I have to slowly adjust to the water first!"

Finally, after another beat, Amora released her but gave another splash. "This is fun, huh? I haven't acted this immature in forever!"

At this, Willow paused, then inched around, her brow raised. "What... did you say?"

"I-" she said, but cocked her head. "I thought this was too cold for you?"

"And you believed it." Suddenly, she smirked, all-too-still, before lunging forward and dunking her under the water.

When Amora emerged, she managed away and sent some more splashes her way. "You know, maybe... this is a little fun, actually."

"You think?" Willow asked, smirking. "I'm tired of being depressed!"

Amora forced a frown, but let it slowly leave. "You know, I am too..."

For the next several minutes, the two would continue to play around in the water, enjoying themselves, when Amora would suddenly freeze up.

"What's wrong, Amora?" Willow asked, beginning to close the gap.

Moments later, Amora would meet her face and peer around. "Where's Nara? Willow, where did she go?"

And that was when they noticed the clump of fur floating in the water.

It was Nara.

Hey there! I hope this chapter is still connecting some dots. I really tried! As always, please feel free to point anything out. I'd love to know what to improve on. I read this over and can't really find anything, but I know I must be missing something. <3 Either way, thank you to anyone who has read this far!

As always, I'll ask some questions for our interrogation, but feel free to ignore them! This time, they're about the story:

1) Who's your favorite character?

2) Who's your least favorite character?

3) Where do you think the story will go?

Anyway, as always, I hope you're doing well and God bless. <3