*Shelby*

The sun was already high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the helicopter pad where I stood, my once injured ankle was now two weeks into healing, and though it was still sore if I moved it wrong, the intense pain and swelling were becoming a memory. Lin and Aubrey were at my side, their bags packed and ready for departure.

"Time just flew by, didn't it?" I remarked with an attempt at cheerfulness, but the tightness in my throat betrayed the sadness that was ...