"Tell me again. Did they cuff him?"
Lisa couldn't help but laugh. She loved seeing Roseanne so excited. They'd been sitting on the couch in the cabin for the past half hour, with Lisa recounting everything that had happened.
"No cuffs, but they did ding his head when they put him in the police car."
Roseanne vigorously rubbed her palmas together. "I would have given anything to see that. How come you didn't tell me about this beforehand?" She lightly slapped Lisa's arm.
"I wasn't sure Hoseok had stolen your camera. It was just a hunch. I didn't want to get your hopes up."
"You still should have told me. How long do you think they'll hold him?"
Lisa shrugged. "If it's his first offense, probably not long."
"I bet he only gets community service." Roseanne frowned. "Hopefully it's a shit job."
"At least you can still get the article in before he does. Did you check out the photos? Are they intact?"
Roseanne grasped her camera and flipped through the pictures. "They look okay. First thing I'm doing is backing them up on my computer."
"Did you get the story written today?"
"It's done, and I'm sending it to Tae, my assistant, tonight."
Lisa smiled. "That's great. I'm really happy things worked out for you."
"Thanks to you." Roseanne's expression softened.
It was now or never. Lisa had to try one last time.
"Rosie, do you think you could ever possibly forgive me?"
Roseanne's shoulders sagged. "I don't know. You lied to me, Lisa. You spied and pretended to be my friend."
Lisa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I know."
"It's not that I wouldn't want to forgive you, but I don't see how we could go back to the way things were. Not after such a betrayal."
Lisa nodded. "I understand."
They sat in silence for a few moments before Lisa stood. "Guess I should pack my stuff. I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning. You can have the bed tonight, and I'll sleep in the study."
"Are you going back to the city?"
"Yeah. I'll stop by Bud's and then Fran's on my way out and tell them bye."
"I'm sure they'd like that. What will you do for a job?"
"I'll find something. Actually, I have an idea that might pan out."
"Good luck in whatever you end up doing."
"Thanks."
Lisa studied Roseanne's face, attempting to memorize every feature. Since she intended to be gone before Roseanne woke in the morning, this would be the last time Lisa would ever see her.
"Good night, Roseanne." Lisa blinked back tears and walked away.
* * *
It was one of those dreams where you're trying to run but going absolutely nowhere.
Lisa was at the end of a long corridor, Roseanne desperately wanting to reach her. The faster she ran, the farther apart they seemed. Her heart beat wildly and her legs ached. Just when she didn't think she could take another step, she managed to do so. Suddenly, a mist surrounded Lisa. Roseanne's insides twisted, knowing that if she disappeared into the haze, Roseanne would never find her, never see her again.
