Chapter 3

We stop halfway up the mountain. Ethan and the others gather around and start handing out sandwiches.

No one remembers to save one for me.

“Ethan, look at that tree.” Mason points toward an old tree nearby.

I follow his finger. It's huge, with moss covering most of the trunk.

“I can't believe it's still there after all these years.”

Jake walks over and pushes aside the vines covering the trunk.

I get up and slowly walk closer.

On the shaded side of the trunk, a line of writing is carved into the bark.

Ethan's name and Ava's are carved there, together.

The cuts are deep. The edges have been worn smooth by time, but the names are still clear.

I stand in front of the tree, staring at the words carved into it for a long time.

The chatter around me suddenly dies.

They exchange awkward looks, as if they realize they've said too much.

Ethan walks over and steps between me and the tree. “Forget it. We just carved that stuff there back then.”

Ava comes up behind him with a smile.

“Nora, we carved those on a camping trip when we were eighteen.”

“Back then, Ethan even swore he'd marry me someday. It was just a joke. You don't mind, do you?”

Eighteen.

I met Ethan during the spring semester of my freshman year.

I chased him for three years, and he stayed distant and cold the entire time.

Then, during our senior year, he finally said yes.

I thought my persistence had finally won him over.

Now I understand.

That was the same year Ava went abroad to study.

He didn't fall for me. He just needed someone obedient to fill her place.

The corner of my mouth lifts. “You said it was a joke. Why would I care?”

Ethan seems relieved. He reaches for my wrist and gives it a gentle squeeze.

“There's no reason to keep bringing up the past.”

I look down at his hand.

His fingers are long and warm. That warmth used to be something I craved more than anything.

Now it just makes my stomach turn.

I slowly pull my hand free. “I'm going to wash my hands.”

Ethan's hand is left hanging.

He kicks a rock away, looking annoyed.

“I already explained everything. What else do you want me to do?”

I don't answer. I crouch beside the stream and rinse my wrist over and over.

Jake comes over and hands me a paper towel.

“Nora, Ava grew up with all of us. We're just used to looking out for her.”

“Try to be understanding.”

That's what I've heard most over the past three years.

Be understanding when Ethan is cold.

Be understanding when his friends give me a hard time.

Be understanding when he makes exceptions for Ava.

Without a word, I ball up the soaked paper towel and toss it into the trash.

“I've been plenty understanding. So I'll leave them to each other.”

I’m done being the outsider in this relationship. I'm walking away.

Jake doesn't seem to understand what I mean. He just pats my shoulder.

By then, the sky has darkened. The wind picks up in the valley.

A weather alert pops up on my phone.

[Heavy rain is expected in the western mountains within the next hour. Hikers are advised to head downhill as soon as possible.]