Crushed Underneath the Surface (Complete)

Reality

Chapter 7
Reality
September, Fall in Bozeman Montana

The flight back from Hawaii felt longer than usual, as if time stretched out, keeping the trio suspended between the sun-soaked beaches they had just left behind and the cooler, quieter world of Bozeman, Montana. By the time their plane landed, Milo felt both grateful for the trip and ready for whatever came next.

As they stepped off the plane and made their way toward the baggage claim, the crisp autumn air greeted them—a sharp contrast to the humid warmth of Hawaii. Milo took a deep breath, letting the familiar smell of home ground him.

"You know," Daniel said, nudging Milo's shoulder, "I'm really going to miss those Hawaiian beaches."

Milo chuckled, adjusting his backpack. "Same, but there's something about this air... it feels like home."

Soène, walking beside them, smiled. "Home is good. It means new beginnings."

Milo nodded, her words settling in his chest like a quiet truth. They retrieved their luggage and headed outside, where their Uber was already waiting. As the car pulled away from the airport, the trio fell into a comfortable silence, the lights of Bozeman flickering by in the early evening twilight. Daniel yawned, leaning his head back against the seat.

"Let's nap first, then I say we grab dinner," he said, already sounding half-asleep.

Milo laughed softly. "Yeah, a nap sounds perfect."
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After they arrived home, exhaustion hit Milo like a wave. He collapsed onto his bed, not bothering to unpack before letting the cool sheets envelop him. He drifted off almost instantly, his dreams still full of Hawaiian sunsets and ocean breezes.

By the time he woke up, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow through his bedroom window. Rubbing his eyes, Milo stretched and sat up, feeling more alert than he had in days. He remembered his plan to visit Marisela and grabbed his phone to send her a quick text.

Milo: Hey, Meri. I just finished my nap and I'll be on my way to you soon. Te amo. (I love you)

He stood up and started getting ready when his phone buzzed with her reply.

Mari: Okay, see you soon. Te amo y ten cuidado, Conejito. (I love you, be careful bunny)

The familiar words brought a small smile to his face as he pocketed his phone and headed out the door. Despite the nerves buzzing in his chest about the conversation ahead, it felt good to know they were in a better place now.
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An hour later, Milo found himself standing in the lobby of the towering office building where Marisela worked. The sleek glass doors reflected the amber hues of the fading sunset as he pushed them open, his heart racing with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

The familiar scent of coffee and polished wood filled the space as Milo made his way toward the elevators. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the conversation he was about to have with his sister. But what he didn't expect was to see him.

Javier.

As the elevator doors slid open on Marisela's floor, Milo froze. Javier stood just a few feet away, deep in conversation with another man. His back was to Milo, but there was no mistaking the tall frame, the luxurious black locs cascading over his shoulders, or the way his presence seemed to command the entire room.

Milo's heart jumped into his throat, pounding so hard he swore it echoed in the quiet hallway. He didn't know whether to be excited or terrified.

Before he could react, Javier turned, his golden, hazel eyes locking onto Milo's. A look of surprise flashed across his face for a moment, followed by the familiar confident smirk that sent a jolt through Milo's chest.