Chapter 244: Don't Be Late

***Hazel***

When the call with Tessa ended, I stared down at my phone long after the screen went dark.

For a moment, I just stood there, the night wind brushing against my skin, the distant thrum of helicopter blades still echoing in my bones. Guilt sat heavy in my chest, thick and suffocating, like something lodged there that refused to be swallowed.

*I hope you’ll forgive me someday, Tessa.