Whispers of Summer

Chapter 5: Confronting the Past

Denver greeted Luna and Creed with overcast skies and a chill that seeped into their bones as they stepped off the plane. Luna tucked her hands into the pockets of her coat, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination as they made their way through the bustling airport.

Creed had booked them into a small hotel downtown, a temporary refuge as they navigated the uncertainties that awaited them. They settled into their room, the air heavy with unspoken tension as they unpacked their bags and prepared for the difficult conversations ahead.

"I should go see him," Creed said quietly, his gaze fixed on the window overlooking the city streets below. "My brother, I mean. I need to know what's going on."

Luna nodded, her heart aching for Creed and the weight of his family's troubles. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asked gently, reaching out to touch his arm.

Creed hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "Not yet," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "I need to do this alone, at least at first."

Luna nodded understandingly, her worry for Creed mingling with a newfound sense of isolation in the unfamiliar city. "Okay," she said softly. "But please, let me know if you need anything. I'll be here."

Creed managed a small smile, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Luna," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her forehead before heading out into the unknown streets of Denver.

Alone in the hotel room, Luna tried to distract herself with work emails and sketches for her upcoming exhibition, but her mind kept wandering back to Creed and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. She glanced at her phone periodically, willing it to ring with news from Creed, but the hours passed in silence.

It wasn't until late afternoon that Creed finally called, his voice strained and weary over the line. "Luna," he began, his words halting as if he struggled to find the right ones. "Can you meet me? There's something I need to tell you."

Luna's heart skipped a beat at the solemnity in his voice. "Of course," she replied immediately, her mind racing with worry. "Where are you?"

They agreed to meet at a small cafe near their hotel, a quiet corner where they could talk away from prying eyes. Luna arrived first, her nerves on edge as she waited for Creed to join her. When he finally walked through the door, she saw immediately the weight he carried on his shoulders.

"Creed," Luna murmured, rising to greet him with a tight embrace. "What's wrong?"

Creed sighed heavily, his arms holding her close as if seeking solace in her presence. "I saw my brother," he began slowly, his voice low and heavy with emotion. "He's in a bad place, Luna. He's been struggling for a long time."

Luna listened in silence as Creed recounted his visit with his brother—tears shed, harsh words exchanged, and painful truths unearthed. She held his hand tightly, offering silent support as he bared his soul and the weight of his family's troubles.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this," Luna whispered, her voice trembling with empathy. "But we'll get through it together, Creed. I'm here for you."

Creed squeezed her hand gratefully, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Luna," he said quietly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

They sat together in the cafe, their conversation drifting between memories of Creed's childhood and plans for their future in Seabrook. Luna tried to lighten the mood with stories of their friends and the upcoming Harvest Festival, but she couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that hovered over them.

As they walked back to their hotel hand in hand, Luna couldn't ignore the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced over her shoulder nervously, catching glimpses of a familiar figure—a woman with dark hair and piercing eyes who seemed to shadow their every move.