The campus was mostly empty—students scattered for the weekend. The teaching buildings were silent, the library still. A blanket of fallen leaves from the five French plane trees covered the ground beneath the dormitory, the autumn air crisp and cool.

Amber walked along the familiar paths she had taken countless times during her university years, her heart heavy with the realization that this would be her last visit. The heat of summer had faded with the arrival of fall and with it, the memories of their youth. She had no desire to cling to what was past—there was nothing left to hold onto.

By the time noon arrived, Calvin had finally remembered Amber. As he drove home, he eagerly pulled out his phone to share his success. He'd caught three fish that day and he couldn't wait to tell her.

Iris had proven to be his lucky charm. Every time he fished alone, he came back empty-handed, but with Iris by his side, he had caught three fish in one trip. He felt an unexplainable sense of triumph, eager to share it with Amber.

He dialed her number. The phone rang three times before being disconnected. The second call went unanswered as well. A third call went straight to voicemail.

An unfamiliar wave of panic crept into Calvin's chest, tightening around his heart. It was a feeling he hadn't had in a long time—not since the day his mother passed away. Calvin was used to being in control, to having everything within his reach. But now, that control seemed to slip from his grasp and he could not shake the growing unease.

Ignoring Iris's voice from the backseat, he slammed his foot down on the gas pedal, speeding home. When he arrived, the house was eerily quiet. The television was off and something felt off, though he couldn't quite place it at first.

Amber.

His stomach dropped and he rushed into the kitchen, his voice rising with frustration. "Amber, why didn't you answer my calls?"

But there was no answer. Only Florence, who was cleaning the kitchen, looked up in surprise.

"Sir, Madam has already left," Florence said, wiping her hands on her apron.

"Left?" Calvin's voice rose in disbelief. "What do you mean, left? Where could she possibly go? This is her home. Where would she go?"

Florence hesitated before handing him two items— a divorce agreement and a farewell letter Amber had instructed her to give him.