Sophie's Life

Chapter 60:The Message

### The Day After Goodbye  

The next morning, the house felt emptier, quieter. The absence of Daniel's easy laughter and teasing remarks hung over everything like a fog. I stared at my phone on the kitchen counter, willing it to buzz with a message from him. Something to say he'd landed safely, or maybe even a quick joke to break the tension that seemed to linger in the air.  

"He'll text when he can," Aiden said, leaning against the doorframe. He had always been good at reading me, and today was no exception.  

"I know," I replied, forcing a shrug. "I just—"  

"Miss him?"  

I nodded. Aiden stepped closer, his hand landing lightly on my shoulder.  

"Me too," he admitted, his voice softer than usual. "But he's doing what he needs to do. And so should we."  

I looked at him, searching for the usual optimism that he carried so effortlessly. Instead, I found a quiet determination. Aiden wasn't just talking about Daniel; he was talking about all of us.  

"You're right," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "We've got things to focus on."  

The group met later that day at Jules's house. It was an unspoken agreement, a way to fill the void Daniel had left behind. Alan had brought over his PlayStation, and Riley had commandeered the kitchen, claiming she'd make her "world-famous" brownies.  

As the familiar chaos of our group unfolded, it was almost easy to forget. Almost.  

"I got a message from Daniel!" Sasha announced suddenly, holding up her phone.  

Everyone fell silent, leaning in as she read it aloud.  

"Landed safe and sound. Missing you guys already. Don't let Alan hog the snacks, and someone remind Sophie to stop overthinking. You've got this, guys. Talk soon."

The room erupted into laughter at his trademark mix of humor and sincerity.  

"I don't overthink," I protested weakly, but the grin tugging at my lips betrayed me.  

"That's exactly what an overthinker would say," Riley teased, tossing a brownie at me.  

As the laughter faded, I realized something. Daniel might be gone, but he wasn't really gone. His presence was woven into every inside joke, every shared memory, every ridiculous argument over who got the last slice of pizza.  

Later, as the sun set and the others trickled out, I lingered behind, helping Jules tidy up.  

"You okay?" Jules asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.  

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. It's just... weird, you know? Him not being here."  

"It'll take time," she agreed. "But we'll adjust. And so will he."  

As I walked home, the city felt a little different, like it was holding its breath, waiting for something. Maybe it was me who was waiting—for a text, for a call, for some sign that everything would be okay.  

When my phone buzzed later that night, I scrambled to grab it, my heart leaping.  

It wasn't Daniel. It was James.  

J: You up for coffee tomorrow? Thought we could catch up. No pressure.

I stared at the message, my mind racing. James had been quieter than usual during the goodbye yesterday, his emotions carefully guarded.  

I typed a quick response before I could overthink.  

S: Sure. 10 AM?

As I set the phone down, I thought about what Daniel had said at the airport. About paths crossing again.  

Maybe he was right. The future was uncertain, but the present? That was ours to shape.