𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘀

𝟎𝟎𝟑

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫-𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱

     𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬 walks into her house after a shift at the bookstore. She takes off her shoes and places them in the closet by the front door. She can hear her mother in the kitchen, probably making her lunch like she always does.

Before she does anything she checks her phone, something she's been doing for the past 5 days. She hasn't heard from Noah and it's driving her crazy. She's starting to worry and wonder if she should stop by the townhouse to see if she can talk to Noah or Emily.

She's sent Noah a thousand messages, pleading for her to answer or show any sign that she's at least read the messages. As she finds their messages still one-sided, she huffs and puts it away. She looks down at the envelope she received at the bookstore and starts to open it.

Jess takes out two pieces of paper. She unfolds the first one and sees a handwritten note. It takes no more than half a second to recognize Noah's handwriting.

⸻

Hi J,

I'm sorry if you've been calling and texting me. They took my phone. I can't tell you who "they" are or why they took my phone. But I can tell you that I'm safe and I'll be gone for a while. There's no easy way to put this, so I have to put it outright. My mother died in surgery after an injury. I can't explain anything more. You know if I could, I would tell you everything.

I'm okay, but you can't look for me. You won't be able to see me because they won't let you. I don't know how long it will be, but please don't give up on me. I need you right now, even if I just have to believe that you're there for me from a distance. I'm so sorry that I can't tell you anything more.

Usually, I would never dare tell you what to do, but I have to ask that you don't tell anyone that I sent you this letter or you received this at all. You need to shred this and never tell a soul. I had to beg, which you know I hate, to send this to you because the thought of you being kept in the dark didn't sit right with me. And one day, I'll explain, but you might be waiting a long time.

I'm with you every day no matter where you go. I hope to see you again.

With love.

⸻

Jess drops her hand as she finishes the letter. The familiar handwriting of her beloved sends shocks through her body. Each word stung more and more. The truth unfolded in the letter wasn't what she was expecting from the unassuming envelope. The blonde double-checks it to see if it's real and sees another letter tucked into the envelope. This one is on heavier paper and has the BAU letterhead at the top.

She reads through it carefully, these words stabbing her right in the heart. The professional, straightforward message from the BAU Unit Chief himself. It feels more like a statement than anything.

With trembling hands, Jess holds Noah's letter to her chest. She feels like collapsing, but her mother is right in the kitchen. She can't tell a soul, Noah having borne the weight of a heavy responsibility on her shoulders. She collects herself to keep her silent vow, one that Noah may never know she possesses.

She collects herself before walking into the kitchen, trying to mask her emotions.

"Hey, honey," Josephine chimes, but her smile falters at the sight of her daughter's frown. "What's wrong? What's that?"

Jess lowers the letter and tries to hide it behind her. "Just something from the chess club. A letter about our next tournament."

"Oh, when is it?" the mother asks.