I look at Karl, his face pale but determined. “This is it,” he says softly. “Okay, so where do we even start looking for the truffles?” I ask, my eyes darting from rock to bush to the roots of trees. “Inside the building, right?” Karl shrugs, almost embarrassed. “Adam only told me it's somew
Abby Why did I do this? My heart is in my throat as I leap towards the waterfall, propelled by some inexplicable force that tugs at the wolf that lives inside of me. The world blurs and turns into a swirling tornado of color and sound, and I brace myself for the icy plunge. But it never
Abby “Oh my god, Abby… could it be?” Karl’s eyes widen next to me. I crouch down to get a closer look at the dark mushrooms nestled in the dirt at our feet. “Yes,” I breathe, reaching out to run my finger along their tops. “This is it. Black truffles.” This is exactly what we've been
Abby Karl and I burst into the restaurant, a gust of fresh air sweeping in with us as the door swings shut behind. Our clothes are still wet, covered in mud, and clinging uncomfortably to our skin, but the euphoria coursing through my veins easily overcomes any discomfort that I might be fee
“Okay, Abby. Let’s get everything in place. Farro mafaldine, black truffle butter, and the mushrooms,” John says, his hand passing over each individual ingredient—and lingering over the coveted black truffles—as he speaks. I nod. My body feels like it’s about to burst, I’m so excited. “I can’t b
Abby A sudden jolt of fear seizes me as I lock eyes with the man at the far end of the alley. “You there!” he repeats, taking another step closer. “What are you—” “Um… Karl? John?” I call out, mainly out of instinct. If there’s one thing that living in the city over the past few years has taug
Karl’s eyes narrow. “Are you serious, Abby? We don’t even know this guy.” “I know. And I promise, if anything happens, you can kick him out. But I have to do this, Karl. I just have to.” Karl searches my eyes, and I can see him wrestling with his judgment. He sighs, defeated by whatever it is he
Abby My heart pounds as the room goes quiet. What on earth is happening right now? We’re all looking at each other—me, Karl, John, and the homeless man. His eyes meet mine, full of a sort of knowing energy that leaves me speechless. Is this a joke? He really has experience cooking with black tru