Under the Stars

Chapter 32

Diary Entry - July 20th

It's been seven years since that fateful summer, and so much has changed. I never imagined I would end up where I am now. Life has taken me on a journey I couldn't have predicted. After Carl disappeared, I threw myself into my work. Writing became my refuge, my way of coping with the emptiness he left behind. Today, I'm a successful author, and my books have found a place in the hearts of many readers. I also ventured into business, starting a publishing company that has given a platform to aspiring writers. Along the way, I found true friends who have become my family. They are my support system, my cheerleaders, and the ones who remind me that I am never truly alone. Despite everything, there's still a part of me that misses Carl, that wonders where he is and why he left without a word. But I've learned to live with the unanswered questions, focusing on the present and the people who are here with me.

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As I closed my diary, a sense of nostalgia washed over me. The journey from heartbreak to healing had been long and arduous, but I had come out stronger on the other side. My apartment was filled with the warmth of new memories and the laughter of friends who had become like family.

My career had taken off in ways I never dreamed possible. The first book I published was a memoir of my experiences, and it resonated with many readers. From there, my career as an author blossomed, leading to several bestsellers and a thriving publishing company. It was fulfilling work, helping new writers find their voice and sharing stories with the world.

I glanced around my apartment, taking in the framed photos of my friends and the mementos from book tours and conferences. My life was full, and I was grateful for every moment of it. Yet, there was always that small, nagging question at the back of my mind—where was Carl, and why had he left so suddenly?

The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. I walked over and opened the door to find Amber, my best friend and business partner, standing there with a grin.

“Hey, Lyla! Ready for our meeting?” she asked, holding up a folder filled with documents.

“Absolutely,” I replied, smiling back. “Come on in.”

Amber and I settled at the dining table, going over the plans for our latest publishing project. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as we discussed the upcoming release.

As we worked, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was Billy and Ayesha, two more of my closest friends. They had been there for me through thick and thin, their unwavering support a constant source of strength.

“Hey, Lyla! We brought lunch,” Billy announced, holding up a bag from our favorite deli.

There we have Billy Dawson. After Carl left Billy promise to stay by my side until we get answers from Carl.

“Perfect timing,” I said, my smile widening. “Let's take a break and eat.”

We gathered around the table, the conversation flowing easily as we shared stories and laughter. These were the moments I cherished, the simple joys that made life worth living.

After lunch, we got back to work, our collaborative energy making the task at hand feel like a breeze. I felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that I had built a life filled with purpose and surrounded by people who cared for me.

Yet, as the day drew to a close and my friends headed home, I couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of Carl. It had been seven years, but the memory of him was still vivid in my mind. I often wondered if he thought of me too, if he missed the life we once shared.

Later that evening, as I sat by the window with a cup of tea, I let my mind wander back to that summer. The pain had dulled over the years, but the questions remained. I knew I might never get the answers I sought, but I had made peace with that.