“What’s that?”
“That no matter what, this won’t be the end of us. That we’ll be connected again someday.”
A silence.
“Promise me, Sam,” I asked again.
“I’m sorry, Jules. But I can’t promise you that. As much as I want to.”
It was the answer I expected. But it still fills me with emptiness.
“So you’re saying, after our good-bye, it’s really going to end? And I’ll never be able to speak to you again?”
“Don’t think of it like that,” Sam said. “It’s just a different beginning, especially for you. And you’re gonna have a lot them.”
“And you? Where will you go after?”
“To be honest … I don’t really know. I’m sure I’ll be fine, though. At the very least, I can promise you that. So don’t worry, okay?” And then the static comes, as if on cue. “I think it’s time to go soon…”
I squeezed the phone. “Where are you now?”
“I still can’t say. I’m sorry.”
“Can you at least tell me what you see?” I asked.
Sam took a moment to answer.
“Fields. Endless fields.”
* * *
Rain drizzles down the windshield as we drive up the interstate toward Seattle. As we cross Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge, which floats over Lake Washington, the view of mountains fades behind us, replaced by concrete high-rises that cluster along ocean-blue water. I wasn’t planning on coming back here anytime soon. I was hoping to stay in bed all weekend, watching TV shows on my laptop. A trip out to the waterfront was Yuki’s idea. She wanted to see it one more time before we graduate and she has to fly back to Japan. When Yuki first asked if I would come with her, I said I couldn’t. I’ve been keeping to myself more lately. Since the film festival two weeks ago, I haven’t had much of a yearning for social interaction. But then Rachel caught the flu on Thursday, and I pictured Yuki taking the bus alone and getting lost downtown, and felt a pang of guilt. So I decided to go with her. When I told her yesterday at lunch, Oliver invited himself along, offering to drive. He even convinced Jay to ditch his weekly environmental club meeting and go with us.
I keep my earbuds in as I stare out the car window. Maybe some time away from Ellensburg is what I need after all.
There isn’t too much traffic this Saturday morning, so we arrive early to grab breakfast on the pier. Once the rain stops, the four of us take a stroll along the waterfront, pausing at the occasional souvenir stand, looking for our names on key chains. While the others head farther into the arcade stands of Pike Place Market, I take a break from the touristy attractions and find a bench away from the crowds to get some space alone.
A merchant vessel cruises along the harbor, sending little waves against the rocks as I stare out at the water. It’s a chilly afternoon on the pier in downtown Seattle. I breathe in the brisk salt air and let it out slowly. It’s been a while since I smelled the ocean. It’s strange to be back here after a long time away. I forgot how lonely the water can make you feel just by looking at it.
I wish Sam was here with us. The world feels quiet without him in it. It’s been more than a week since we last spoke to each other. If only I could call him up for a moment, just to hear his voice. Know he’s still there. Maybe then I might enjoy this trip, instead of thinking about him every second. I keep my phone in my lap, checking it from time to time. It reminds me we’re still connected, even when we can’t hear each other. I wonder if our signal works outside of Ellensburg. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to drive up here and risk it. But since our calls have to be spaced further apart these days, I knew I wouldn’t be able to call him this weekend anyway. It’s only a few days, after all. I should at least try to have a good time, and spend time with the others. But it’s so much harder than I thought it would be.
After a while, someone approaches the bench.
“Can I join you?”
I look up at Yuki. She is holding a compostable tray with two coffees. I move my jacket from the bench, making room for her. She sits beside me, sliding over the tray.
The coffee is warm in my hands. “Thank you. But you didn’t have to get me something.”
“I think it’s the least I can do,” Yuki says, staring out at the water. “For making you come all the way out here with us.” She looks at me. “You don’t seem to be enjoying the trip.”
I stare at my phone, feeling guilty. I’m sure she isn’t the only one who noticed. “Sorry, I’m not in the best mood,” I say. “But I’m glad I came out here with you guys. I just have a lot on my mind.”