Chapter 7

Knowing he might never return to Halston City after heading home, Nigel figured he'd say goodbye to a few close friends. So, he sent them a message in their group chat. "How about we get together? I've got something to tell you all." Erin Summers, the one he stayed in touch with the most, was the first to reply. "Great timing! There's a class reunion coming up in a few days. Let's meet up then!" "Sounds good to me!" "I'm in!" Everyone was on board right away. … On the day of the reunion, Nigel left the house early. The others were already in the private room they'd booked when he arrived. Everyone looked at him with curiosity as he walked in. "Hey Ni, you said you had something to tell us. What's going on?" "I'm heading home to get married in a few days. Not sure when I'll be back, so I might not see you guys again. I'd really love it if you could come to the wedding." Everyone remembered the Instagram post Nigel had shared recently as soon as they heard him. They couldn't help but blurt out, "Nigel, you were serious about that?" "Hold on, are you actually breaking up with Joyce to marry someone else back home? Does Joyce know about this?" Suddenly, the door swung open, and Joyce's voice echoed through the room. "Know about what?" Her sudden appearance made everyone exchange awkward glances. Erin quickly let out a nervous laugh and changed the subject. "Who let our brilliant Joyce in here without drawing a card?" Seeing the confused look on Joyce's face, Erin grinned and explained, "Clara's been into fortune-telling lately. She's having everyone draw a card so she can practice." Clara Flint perked up when she heard her name. She headed over with a deck of cards and a sparkle in her eyes. "Hurry up, guys, pick a card!" Nigel pulled a card without really thinking about it. Joyce had been nudged along by the others since she got there. When she saw Nigel join in, she decided to go for it, too. Erin, who had brought up the fortune-telling in the first place, urged them on. "Come on, let's show our cards to Clara the Seer and see if she's really got our fortunes figured out!" Nigel couldn't shake his curiosity. He flipped his card over, and the words jumped out at him. "Things fall apart when you expect too much. You'll find fulfillment when you expect nothing." He stared at the message, feeling uneasy. Still, the words made sense. Later, he handed the card to Clara. She skimmed the words and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "The first part's a bit of a downer, but the second part hints at some nice surprises, don't you think? Just relax, and don't worry about it too much," Clara said. Nigel nodded, his gaze on Joyce as she pulled a card. She flipped it over, and the words hit her hard. Those who saw the card went silent, drawing the others in with curiosity. Someone grabbed the card, read the message, and after a stunned moment, returned it to Clara. "Clara the Seer, looks like your readings could use some improvement. Everyone knows Nigel and Joyce are as solid as they come. How could Joyce possibly 'lose her true love forever'?" Nigel's close friends looked awkward as the comment hung in the air. But was it really impossible? Nigel was set to leave Halston City, turn his back on Joyce, and marry someone else. With most people in the dark about what was going on, the room was full of jokes about Clara's fortune-telling. Laughter and chatter filled the air, and no one paid much attention to the small group. Amidst the chatter, Joyce suddenly heard her phone ringing faintly. She picked it up immediately. Whatever was said on the other end made her face change just enough to notice, and she turned to Nigel. "Nigel, we need to go to the hospital now!"