Chapter 77

Ten days after arriving in the countryside, Teresa ran into Gary on a quiet evening. The air was fresh and clean. Though autumn was warm, the evenings cooled pleasantly, making it perfect to stroll along the stream near town. The water babbled merrily, birds dipped into its surface, and children splashed in the shallows. On the riverbank, someone blasted music and danced with abandon. The sounds blended into a lively hubbub, but this was when the town was at its busiest. The sky glowed crimson, the last rays of sunlight lingering on the trees. Amid the chatter and laughter, Teresa spotted Gary. He stood out in his crisp white shirt, pale blue jeans, and white sneakers, gazing past the crowd and straight at her. Their eyes met, and Teresa froze, dazed. Gary walked closer, and only then did she realize he was truly there, not a dream. He waved a hand before her face. "What are you thinking about? You look lost." Her eyes reddened. "What are you doing here?" Gary turned toward the