Chapter 194

As soon as I sent the message, Steve called back almost immediately. “What’s up? Someone trying to take advantage of you?” he asked bluntly.

I laughed. “I wish! I haven’t even met the guy. How’s that supposed to work?”

“You haven’t met him? So you’re asking me to dig him up just because you’re curious?” Steve sounded surprised. “Keira, you think I’ve got that much free time?”

He’d literally just posted about entering a billiards tournament, so I knew he was busy. Realizing I might have jumped the gun, I quickly said, “If you’re swamped, forget it. I’m just curious. It’s no big deal.”

“Come on, are you trying to guilt-trip me?” Steve joked, pretending to be offended.

I chuckled. “Nah, seriously, just curiosity. If you have time, cool. If not, don’t stress.”

“For you, I always have time,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll look into it.”

But he didn’t hang up immediately. I sensed something else was on his mind—probably Jace’s post. I stayed quiet. After a long pause, he finally said, “Forget it, never mind. Just know if you need anything, I’m here.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, whatever he might have said would have made things awkward. It was probably better that he dropped it.

“Okay,” I replied, then, remembering his tournament, added, “By the way, when’s your match? Send me a ticket—I’ll come cheer you on.”

“Haha, deal!” Steve said.

After we hung up, I headed home. The strange dreams from last night left me feeling drained, so I hoped to rest. But as soon as I pulled into my complex, I saw a crowd gathered by the entrance.

I parked and walked over, wondering what was happening. That’s when I saw the notice taped to the gate: Demolition.

That word sent a wave of panic through me. I’d had a feeling this place wouldn’t last much longer, but seeing it in writing hit harder than I expected.

For most people, demolition meant excitement, a chance to profit. But for me, it was devastating. It felt like watching all my happiest, warmest memories ripped apart.

“Two months to move out. If you leave early, you get an extra $1,000 bonus.”

“I’ve been dying to get out of here forever. Finally, it’s happening.”

The crowd buzzed around me, each person reacting differently. Some were thrilled, some annoyed. I slipped away quietly, deciding to walk home instead of driving.

This place was old, yes, but that’s exactly why it had so much charm. The tall, old trees lining the streets were still lush and green. I remembered how, every spring, when the flowers bloomed, my mom would gather them with the neighbors and make flower pancakes. In the summer, we’d sit under those trees, cooling off, playing games. It was one of my favorite things to do with her.

And then there was the rock garden. It used to be the hangout spot for me and the other kids. We climbed all over it, smoothing the stones until they shone from years of play.

As I walked through the complex, I absorbed everything, knowing soon this place would be flattened. All of this—everything that meant something to me—would be gone. The thought crushed me.

As long as this complex stood, my parents’ home still felt present. And as long as their home was there, it was like they were still close to me. But once it’s gone… I’m not even sure where I’ll put all my longing.