THE GIRL WHO STAYED FOR ONLY ONE SUMMER

Chapter 15

The letter came in November.

Ethan was closing the hotel kitchen when Claire handed it to him.

“Mail.”

He looked at the envelope.

His name.

Maya’s handwriting.

He opened it.

There was no long explanation.

Only a few lines.

Ethan,

I don’t know if I should write this.

I still think about Greyhaven.

I still think about you.

But I don’t want to come back because I’m lonely.

I want to come back only if I’m ready to stay.

I’m not there yet.

Maybe someday.

Maybe not.

I hope you understand.

—Maya

Ethan read it twice.

Then folded it.

Claire watched him.

“Bad?”

“No.”

“Good?”

Ethan thought.

“Honest.”

Claire nodded.

“Sometimes that’s better.”

He put the letter in his pocket.

“Yeah.”