Chapter 107
+25 BONUS
I looked closely and noticed a small, almost imperceptible scar running across his right forehead.
“After hearing about our mysterious heroine, I asked the townsfolk who it might be. By the time I identified you and found your house, your grandmother had already taken you back to the city. I was too late,” Soren revealed.
I was stunned. Our history went back that far? What could even say to that?
If we had missed each other then, though…
“What about the second time?” I asked.
“It was summer the following year. I was swimming in the river with two friends. I’m a strong swimmer, but I had terrible luck that day. Not long after entering the water, my legs cramped. Soon, the current started pulling me downstream.
“My friends tried to save me at first, but they couldn’t keep up. So, they rushed to find help…‘
My eyes widened. I remembered this!
“I was crossing the Schansey Bridge on my way to buy ice cream. I saw someone struggling in the water and called for help, but no one else was around!”
His eyes crinkled with a smile. “You ran to the riverbank, picked up a small branch, and tried to help, but it was too light and drifted away. Then you grabbed a larger log and threw it to me.
“I was barely holding onto some riverweed, and it was about to snap. So, I clung to the log. Thankfully, my friends and the adults arrived just in time. They pulled me out of the water.”
This was one of my more vivid childhood memories. Afterward, several men in uniforms came to my grandmother’s house with gifts.
I was a timid child, and their military gear intimidated me. I hid in my room and refused to come out.
“My grandfather brought me to your house to thank you, but you stayed hidden. Your grandmother welcomed us. I noticed you peeking through the crack in the door… and I even smiled at you.”
“Seriously?” I exclaimed.
I didn’t remember that part!
“Well, it was the first time someone had ever ignored me,” Soren said with a sigh.
I smiled awkwardly. “Still, I didn’t technically save you, did I? Your friends did. They brought the adults.”
“No,” he insisted. “I had been drifting for a while, and my legs were giving out. I was doing my best to keep my head above water, but the weed was about to snap. If it had I would have sunk. They might not have reached me in time.”
He looked at me earnestly and said, “You saved my life, Taylor.”
My cheeks flushed. I hadn’t expected him to remember these events so vividly after all this time.
I glanced away, feeling bashful. “So, you’ve been paying attention to me ever since? But why didn’t you ever… you know… reach out or something?”
apter 108
+25 BONUS
hapter 108
