Elena's POV
Julian didn't say anything more. Instead, he called Aunt Vivian, explaining everything in calm, steady words. He reassured her that someone would come to bring her over.
Later, I went out to see Callum. I told him everything, but Damian wouldn't stop calling. He sent texts saying he wanted me back. I don't think he heard what happened to Amira. I blocked him.
I stayed with Callum. He consoled me and tried to make me smile.
"Elena," he started, "I have to go back. I feel like here… isn't for me. The only reason I'm still here is because of you. I'll visit to check on the hospital, but this place—it's not home."
He looked me straight in the eyes. "You know you were my crush. And you still are. I just want you to be happy."
I looked at him, my heart soft.
"You'll always have a place in my life, Callum," I said.
He smiled the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. "That's all I needed to hear."
He pulled me into a hug—warm, steady, familiar.
