SUNSHINE - COLE WALTER

014.

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Seeking solace from the chaos surrounding her, Jamie made the decision to escape by taking a leisurely walk, camera in hand, immersing herself in the act of capturing moments frozen in time.

However, as time passed, Jamie found herself lost and a wave of panic began to rise within her. She reached for her phone, desperately attempting to call Maddy for reassurance, only to be met with a failed attempt that heightened her anxiety further.

"No, no. It's going to be okay. Don't freak out," Jamie muttered to herself, attempting to regain composure. She decided to try the Walter house phone as a last resort.

A familiar voice answered on the other end, "Hello?"

Relief washed over Jamie as she recognized Cole's voice. "Hi. Is... is Nathan back from the hospital?" she inquired, her voice trembling slightly.

Cole responded, reassurance evident in his tone, "Yeah, we're just having dinner. Where are you?"

"I'm lost. Somewhere. But it's... it's fine," Jamie assured him, trying to sound more composed than she felt.

Concern laced Cole's next words, "Are you okay?"

Taking a deep breath, Jamie replied, her voice wavering slightly, "I guess so."

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Cole took charge. "Hold on. I'm going to come get you. Anything stand out around you?" he asked, his voice determined.

Scanning her surroundings, Jamie desperately searched for a notable landmark. Finally, her eyes landed on a peculiar sight. "Uh... all I see is... creepy, white trees," she relayed to Cole.

Determination evident in his voice, Cole assured her, "I know where you are. Don't move. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Thankful for Cole's assistance, Jamie released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thanks," she whispered, clinging onto his promise of rescue. As she waited, she focused on maintaining her calm, trusting in Cole's prompt arrival, eagerly anticipating the moment when she would no longer feel lost and alone amidst the eerie ambiance of the white trees.

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Jamie breathed a sigh of relief as Cole finally arrived, her anxiety easing as she entered his car. However, their moment of respite was short-lived as rain began to fall, casting a somber atmosphere over the scene.

Thankful for the call he made about Nathan, Jamie decided to break the uneasy silence that enveloped them. "Thank you for calling to tell me about Nathan," she expressed, her voice soft.

But, to her surprise, Cole remained silent, not responding to her gratitude. Perplexed, Jamie prodded further, "Cole?" Still met with silence, she asked in frustration, "Okay. What's going on?"

Suddenly, Cole brought the car to a stop and turned to face her, his gaze intense. Confusion and apprehension filled Jamie's eyes as she questioned his sudden behavior. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice laden with concern.

In a serious tone, Cole posed a surprising question, "Do you think I'm a bad guy?"

Caught off guard by this unexpected inquiry, Jamie stammered, "What?" trying to comprehend the gravity of his words.

Pressing her for an answer, Cole persisted, his voice demanding, "Answer me."

Refusing to play into his game, Jamie mustered her courage and asserted, "You know what? No. I'm not playing this game where I have to tell you exactly what you want to hear just to make you feel better. I was just trying to make things right between us for Alex," she declared, her voice unwavering.