Chapter 7

Knowing she wouldn't be coming back to Harbor City after going home, Nora decided to say goodbye to a few of her closest friends. She sent a quick message in their group chat. "Let's get together soon. I've got something I want to tell you all." Yvette Stone, the one she stayed in touch with most, replied almost immediately, "That works out! We actually have a reunion planned in a couple of days. Why don't you come then?" "I'm in!" "Me, too!" The rest all chimed in. Just like that, plans were set. On the day of the reunion, Nora left home early. By the time she got to the private dining room they'd booked, the others were already there. The moment she walked in, they started firing questions her way. "Nora, you said you had something to tell us. What's up?" Nora replied, "I'm going back to my hometown to get married in a few days. I don't know when I'll get to see you all again, so if you can make it, you're more than welcome at my wedding." Her announcement set off a chorus of gasps. Everyone remembered the post she'd made on social media a while back. "Wait, Nora, were you serious about that? Are you really doing it?" "Yeah, are you actually breaking up with Elliot and marrying someone else? Does Elliot know about this?" Before Nora could answer, the door swung open, and Elliot's voice cut in, "Know about what?" Everyone looked at each other, caught off guard by his sudden arrival. Yvette was the first to recover, quickly changing the subject with a laugh. "Who let the genius Elliot in here? Did anyone draw cards?" Seeing his confused look, she smiled and explained, "Caroline's been learning tarot lately, so everyone has to pick a card. We're just testing her skills, so don't take it too seriously." As if on cue, Caroline Fisher stepped forward with a deck of cards in hand, her eyes bright with excitement. "Come on, everyone, pick a card!" Nora picked a card at random. Since she went first, Elliot followed her lead and picked one, too. Yvette jumped in, urging them on, "Alright, let's see what the future holds! Caroline, give us a reading!" Nora was a little curious. She flipped over her card and read the words on it, "Let go of your expectations. Hope unfulfilled brings sorrow. Trust in the unknown, and life shall reveal its gifts." The words struck her for a moment. She handed the card back to Caroline, who gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Hey, the first part might sound a little bleak, but look at the end. Life will bring you unexpected joy! Don't overthink it." Nora nodded with a smile. Then, Elliot turned his card over, and his expression changed instantly. Those who saw the card went quiet. The others got curious and took the card from Elliot, then quietly handed it back to Caroline, looking a little awkward. "It looks like you need more practice, Caroline. Who doesn't know that Nora and Elliot are rock solid? There's no way Elliot's ever losing the one he loves." Nora's friends exchanged uncomfortable glances, knowing those words weren't true. Nora was about to leave the city and move on from Elliot for good. But most people in the room didn't know the full story, so the conversation just turned into playful teasing, and no one pressed them about it. Just then, in the middle of the laughter and noise, Elliot's phone rang. Even though the ringtone was soft, he caught it right away and answered the call. Whatever he heard on the other end made his face tighten, and his eyes immediately sought out Nora. "Nora, I need you to come with me to the hospital now!"