MELISSA’S POV

The remaining days of our vacation after the party rolled by far too quickly. One minute we were swaying under fairy lights, sand clinging to our feet, laughter spilling freely into the night. The next, we were squeezing every last drop of joy from the trip—sightseeing, buying souvenirs from small shops tucked into busy streets, sampling foods I never thought I’d have the courage to taste.

We took silly pictures everywhere we went. Xavier, who usually carried himself ...