Chapter 28: See You Again Soon
The morning sun painted soft gold across the pavement as the van's engine purred gently in the background. Laughter and tired eyes surrounded the vehicle as bags were packed, last pictures taken, and final snacks shared.
Jacob stood with his arms slung over Lisa's shoulders, both of them smiling warmly at the group of gym members. Alya stood nearby, holding a bag of leftover sweets, eyes puffy from barely hidden tears.
"This isn't goodbye forever," Jacob grinned, lifting a fist toward Alex.
"You better come back with those gains still intact."
Alex bumped fists with him. "Only if you promise not to slack off when you're gone."
Lisa turned to Jake.
For a moment, the air between them felt heavier than the rest of the farewell chatter.
"Jake…" she started, then paused. "Thank you. For everything."
Jake smiled, genuine but soft. "Take care of yourself, Lisa."
She hesitated—then stepped forward and hugged him.
"You've changed," she whispered.
Jake replied, "I had to."
Jacob chuckled, stepping forward. "Guess it's time for us to head out. We'll be back soon—three days, tops. Alya, hold the fort, okay?"
Alya nodded firmly, voice shaky. "I'll try not to burn the cake this time."
Everyone laughed.
The van door slid shut. Jacob waved out the window as Lisa leaned beside him. The vehicle pulled away slowly, their silhouettes shrinking in the morning light.
Jake stood quietly, eyes fixed on the road.
Alex walked up beside him. "You okay?"
Jake inhaled deeply.
"I think so. It hurts less now."
Alya joined them, slipping an arm around both their shoulders.
"So… what's next?"
Jake looked at the gym in the distance.
"We get stronger. And we protect what matters."
They turned and walked home, the sun rising higher behind them—soft, steady, and full of promise.