**Chapter 16: New York**

The morning sun cast a soft glow over Henry's yard, dew still clinging to the grass like tiny diamonds. Esme stood at the door, her hoodie wrapped tightly around her, while Sarah hugged her tightly. "Five days," Sarah muttered into Esme's shoulder, her voice trembling. "Five days," Esme replied, trying to reassure her. "You'll blink and I'll be back." Henry grumbled something about traffic and grabbed his keys to drive Sarah to school, giving Joel a meaningful look as he passed. Joel loaded the last suitcase into the trunk while Maxime and Jane buzzed with energy in the backseat. As they drove to the airport, the chatterboxes in the backseat didn't quiet down. Joel didn't mind; it gave him a chance to watch Esme out of the corner of his eye. She stared out the window, her lips twitching at their jokes, her eyes leaning slightly in his direction every time he shifted gears. At the airport, Maxime and Jane grabbed their bags and drifted ahead, giving Joel and Esme a moment alone. "Five days," Esme said again, trying to make it sound like nothing. "I'll text you when we land." Joel gave a small nod, then stepped closer. He pressed a hand to her waist. "Don't forget sunscreen." "Always such a dad," Esme teased, her eyes sparkling. "You like that," Joel said quietly, and kissed her. The kiss paused time. Esme's hands curled against his chest, and she pulled back with a shaky breath. "I really do." With one last glance, Esme jogged after her friends, tossing a grin over her shoulder as the doors slid shut behind her. As Joel watched her go, he felt a pang of loneliness. He stood there a moment longer than necessary, taking in the empty space where Esme had been. The flight itself was a blur of crying toddlers, clattering trays, and Jane somehow managing to charm a flight attendant into giving her a free glass of wine. Maxime dozed off watching bad TV, while Esme half-laughed, half-suffered through turbulence. After landing in New York, they picked up their rental car and dove into the city's chaotic rush hour. The air was thick with heat, heavy but dry, carrying the faint scent of street food and concrete. Their first day was a whirlwind of smoothies from a corner vendor, wandering through Central Park's shaded paths, and spontaneous detours into tiny bookstores tucked between skyscrapers. They ended the night with steaming dumplings and cocktails at a lively East Village bar. As the night pulsed around them, Esme felt alive. The city was a living, breathing thing, and she was grateful to be experiencing it with her friends. The next morning, Jane dragged them through bustling markets, snapping photos of colorful murals and outdoor flower stalls. Maxime eyed the towering skyline like it was a living, breathing thing. As evening settled, they picked up their second rental car and headed north out of the city, chasing the quiet. They arrived at a cozy brownstone in Brooklyn, its exposed brick and warm lights giving it a welcoming glow. The apartment pulsed softly with music from a Bluetooth speaker. Outside, Jane and her festival crew were already drinking by the window, shouting over some debate about set times. Esme and Maxime sat quietly on the edge of the couch, propped against the exposed brick wall glowing golden in the late afternoon sun filtering through gauzy curtains. Esme held her phone in her lap, biting her bottom lip. She was hesitant about Jane's plan to take ecstasy. "You sure you wanna do this now?" Maxime asked. Esme sighed. "I don't want it on my chest all weekend. It's already pressing." Maxime nodded. "Then let's get it out." Esme tapped the screen, and Joel answered on the second ring. He was wearing that old gray Henley and had a cold beer in hand, standing in his backyard with the orange trees behind him glowing in the last bit of light. "Well, don't you two look like trouble," Joel said, raising an eyebrow at the screen. "Everything okay?" Esme explained the situation, and Joel listened attentively. "I appreciate you telling me," he said finally. "You trust us?" Esme asked. "Of course," Joel replied. "But I also trust you to make your own decisions. Just be safe, okay?" Esme nodded, feeling a wave of emotion. "I will. I love you." "I love you too," Joel replied, steady. As they ended the call, Esme felt a sense of relief. She knew she could always count on Joel to be honest with her. The night went on, with Esme and her friends dancing on a Brooklyn rooftop, surrounded by the glittering grid of city lights. Esme felt alive, surrounded by her friends and the pulsating music. As the weekend drew to a close, they made their way to the airport, tired but exhilarated. Esme felt grateful for the experience, and for the friends who had shared it with her. As they waited for their flight to be called, Esme stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna walk around," she said, tossing her hoodie over her arm. "Buy me gum," Maxime mumbled into her neck pillow. "Or a new face," Jane added without lifting her head. Esme grinned and wandered off into the terminal, leaving her friends to their exhausted slumber.