Chapter 28

San Francisco, CA - 2022

Sunlight filtered through the clouds, warming Halona's skin as she jogged along the shoreline. Her crop top and leggings hugged her toned frame, each step on the sand creating a comforting rhythm. Her high ponytail swayed in time with her strides, while the upbeat music in her earbuds matched the determined set of her jaw.

As she ran, Halona's gaze caught on a group of kids up ahead, busy with an elaborate sandcastle. The sight tugged at her heart, stirring memories of Megan and Isaac. She had dreamed of teaching them to swim, showing them the wonders of tide pools, introducing them to the tiny crabs and sea life that thrived just beyond the shore. But that life felt distant now.

By the time she reached the steps to her home, the emotions she'd been holding back all morning finally broke free. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she fumbled with the key, the weight of her grief almost too heavy to bear. But she knew she had to stay strong - for the tiny life growing inside her.

Once inside, Halona headed straight for the kitchen, setting her laptop on the counter. She sat down, her hands resting on the cool surface as she stared at the screen. Baby names. It seemed like such a simple task, but the significance of it felt overwhelming.

She had already decided on Rosemary for the first name, but what about a middle name? Had Buck ever mentioned his mother's name? She racked her brain, trying to recall, but the memory stayed just out of reach.

With a sigh, Halona began typing, her fingers moving automatically as she scrolled through endless lists of names. She was determined to find the perfect one - something that would honor the memory of the family they had been. After what felt like hours, she sat back, her hand resting gently on her slightly growing belly.

"Rosemary," she whispered, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought of her own mother. She wished her mom were here now, not just for her own comfort, but because she knew how thrilled her mother would've been at the thought of a grandchild.

As the sun began to set, Halona found herself drawn to the window, her gaze fixed on the vast ocean. The sea had always been her refuge, a place where she could clear her mind and find some peace. But in those quiet moments, when the waves lulled her into a false sense of calm, the memories would rush back - the laughter, the joy, the family she once had and now seemed so far away.

She closed her eyes, letting the salty breeze brush against her face. She could almost hear Megan's giggles, the sound of Isaac's small footsteps racing across the sand. And then there was Buck - her rock, her partner, the man who had loved her without question.

The shrill ring of her phone shattered the silence, pulling Halona out of her thoughts. She fumbled for her phone, answering with a curious tone. "Hello?"

"Halona? Is that really you?" The voice on the other end was familiar, though unexpected.

Halona's eyes widened in recognition. "Nick Morgan?"

"The one and only," Nick replied, relief clear in his voice. "I saw the news that you were alive and well. I wanted to give you some space, but I couldn't let more time pass without reaching out."

A mix of emotions surged within Halona, the weight of the past pressing on her chest. "Nick, it's really good to hear from you. How have you been?"

"Getting by," he said with a soft chuckle. "Actually, I got married a couple of years ago, and we just had a baby girl."

"That's wonderful, Nick. I'm so happy for you."

A brief pause followed, thick with unspoken memories. "And you, Halona? How have you been holding up?"

Her hand instinctively went to her belly. "It's been…a journey," she admitted, her voice soft and tinged with sadness. "But I'm trying to move forward." She trailed off, the words catching in her throat.

Nick's voice softened. "I can't even imagine what you've been through, but if there's anything I can do, anything at all, just let me know."

Halona nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Thank you, Nick. That really means a lot."

"It was really good to hear your voice, Halona. I'm glad you're doing okay."

"You too, take care of yourself."

"You too, Halona. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Nick."

As she hung up, Halona let out a deep breath, feeling a genuine sense of happiness for him. She knew how much being part of a loving family could change a person, and she sincerely hoped the best for him.