Chapter 6: The Countdown Begins

The days that followed were a blur of activity as Sabrina prepared for her tour. Nick and Maya tried to be supportive, but they couldn't help feeling a little left out as they watched Sabrina's excitement build. They helped her pack and sorted through her schedule, trying to make sense of the grueling tour dates and rehearsals. One evening, as they sat on the couch, Sabrina pulled out a calendar and started marking off the days until her departure. "We have 30 days left," she said, her voice filled with a mix of emotions. Nick and Maya exchanged a look, and Nick felt a pang of sadness. Thirty days seemed like a long time, but it would also fly by quickly. Maya took Sabrina's hand, her eyes locked on hers. "We'll make the most of it," she said. "We'll do all the things we love, and we'll make sure to create some amazing memories before you leave." Sabrina smiled, and the three of them hugged, holding each other close. As the days went by, they made a conscious effort to spend quality time together. They went on long walks, had picnics in the park, and cooked dinner together. They laughed and talked, trying to make the most of the time they had left. Nick and Maya also started to make plans for the distance. They decided to start a joint journal, where they would write letters to each other and to Sabrina. They would share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and it would be a way to stay connected while Sabrina was away. One evening, as they sat on the couch, Nick pulled out his laptop and started to set up a shared online calendar. "We can mark off the days until Sabrina returns," he said, his eyes shining with excitement. Maya smiled, and they spent the next hour planning and organizing their countdown. As they worked, Sabrina sat on the couch, watching them with a smile on her face. "You two are the best," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I'm going to miss you so much." Nick and Maya exchanged a look, and Nick felt his heart swell with love for the two people in his life. The next morning, Sabrina woke up early, feeling a little anxious about the day ahead. She had a packed schedule, and she needed to get everything ready before she left. Nick and Maya slept in, and when they woke up, they found Sabrina sitting on the couch, her eyes fixed on her phone. "What's wrong?" Nick asked, his voice groggy with sleep. Sabrina looked up, a smile on her face. "I was just thinking about the countdown," she said. "I want to make sure I stay connected with you guys while I'm away." Maya sat up, rubbing her eyes. "We've got that covered," she said. "We've set up a joint journal, and we'll be writing letters to each other every day." Sabrina's face lit up, and she pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the keyboard. As they chatted, Nick got up and made coffee, the aroma filling the room. They sat down at the kitchen table, sipping their coffee and making plans for the day ahead. It was a quiet moment, just the three of them, and Nick felt a sense of gratitude for the love they shared. The countdown had begun, and they would face it together, as a team. They would make the most of the time they had left, and they would stay connected, no matter what. As they finished their coffee, Sabrina stood up, her eyes shining with determination. "I'm ready," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "I'm ready to do this, and I'm ready to come back to you guys in three months." Nick and Maya exchanged a look, and they smiled, knowing that they would be waiting for her, their love strong and unwavering.