That night, Ava couldn't sleep.
The ceiling above her felt too close, the silence too loud.
She turned on her side, staring at the faint glow of the city through her window.
This wasn't part of the plan.
She had come to London to escape.
Not to feel again.
Not to trust again.
Not to fall into something she didn't understand.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
She hesitated… then answered.
"Ava."
Her body went still.
That voice.
"No," she whispered.
"You left without saying goodbye," the voice continued. "That wasn't very kind."
Her chest tightened.
"What do you want, Ethan?"
Silence.
Then—
"I want to see you."
Her grip on the phone tightened.
"That's not happening."
"You sure about that?" he said softly. "Because I'm already here."
The call ended.
Ava sat frozen.
Her past hadn't stayed behind.
It had followed her.