chapter 81

Kelsey's POV

The gym had always been my sanctuary, a place where I could let go of my worries and focus solely on the weights in front of me. Today was no different. The clang of metal and the rhythmic hum of machinery drowned out my thoughts as I pushed through another set of reps. Sweat trickled down my face, and my muscles burned with effort, but it was a welcome distraction from the constant ache in my heart.

"Yo, man, how have you been?" a familiar voice called out, breaking through my concentration.

I looked up to see Mario walking toward me, a wide grin on his face. It had been nearly two years since we last saw Emily, and Mario's presence was a reminder of the life I'd left behind. He was one of the few friends who had stuck around, always checking in on me, even when I tried to push everyone away.

"Mario," I said, dropping the weights and grabbing a towel to wipe my face. "I've been alright. You?"

"Same old, same old," Mario replied, taking a seat on the bench next to me. "B