Epilogue

HUDSON

THE AIR HAD A HINT OF CRISPINESS as summer gave way to fall. Leaves were turning, painting the trees with strokes of gold and red. Luna and I stood beside my dad's truck, loading it with her belongings for the trip to college. My heart was heavy knowing we would soon be apart after years together. Even during our estrangement, she was always there. Her parents chatted with my dad on the lawn, sharing stories and laughter, their voices a comforting background hum. I placed the last of her boxes in the trunk and turned to her, leaning against the side of the truck.I pulled a shirt from my back pocket.

"I want you to have this."

She gazed up at me, her eyes wide.

"This is your Oasis shirt."

I nervously scratched the back of my neck, my eyes flickering to the sky before falling to hers.

"I want you to keep it, so you can think of me when you're away."

She looked at the shirt, running her fingers over the worn fabric, a myriad of memories attached.

"You love this shirt more than anything."

Caressing her cheek with my thumb, I gazed at her lovingly.

"I found something else I love even more."

A smile spread on her lips as she got on her tiptoes for a kiss.

"Thank you, Hudson." She whispered, full of emotion as she clutched the fabric to her chest. "I can't believe you're going to college."

"Me neither." I said with a deep chuckle. "I might even join a fraternity."

She laughed, shaking her head.

"I can't picture you in a fraternity."

With a smirk, I moved closer, enclosing her between myself and the truck. Placing my hands above her head, I leaned down until our lips almost touched.

"Do you know what's the positive of us going to different colleges?"

"What?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and affection.

"The next time we see each other, we're going to fall in love all over again."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. Her hands slipped behind my head, pulling me closer for a kiss. Her father interrupted our moment.

"Keep the PDA to a minimum, please."

We blushed, pulling apart with shy smiles. She went to say goodbye to her parents, sharing tight hugs. I walked over to my father, who had tears in his eyes.

"I'm so proud of you, kid."

I fought back my tears as I hugged him.

"I'll try not to cause too much trouble."

He laughed, clapping me on the back.

"Please wait at least a week before I get a call from the Dean." With one last pat on the back, he stepped back, his eyes glistening with pride and love. "Your mother would be so proud."

I hugged Luna's parents, thanking them for everything, before turning to her with a smirk.

"Ready for a road trip?" I asked, opening the passenger door for her.

She hugged my father, waving goodbye before getting into the truck. I slid behind the wheel, looking at her with a wide grin.

"Are you ready, Snow?"

"Of course." She replied, her voice filled with determination.

I started the truck, the engine roaring to life, and drove down our quaint neighborhood, leaving behind a summer of memories and heading towards a fall filled with fresh adventures.