#tsitpeps

I thought this summer was gonna be like all the other summers, but it's not. Because I won't let it be.

There is nothing more beautiful than this. This particular sunset. It can match the beauty of anything in this world ten times over. No matter what's happened, you can feel the tension of the day drifting away and out to sea. I want to memorize it all, because… you never know the last time you'll see a place, a person.

I wasn't in Cousins. Conrad and I weren't together, and Susannah was dead. Nothing would ever be the same again.

You'll know when you want to be with that person no matter what. Too hot, too safe… you won't care. It'll just feel right.

Every birthday I've ever had has been here, in this house. It's always the same. Mom makes me Mickey Mouse pancakes. Everyone gives me presents. It's the one day the boys have to include me in everything. It's my favorite day of the year.

I wonder if this is the way all crushes die. With a whimper, slowly, and then, just like that, gone.

There were times this summer when I felt like I didn't know my own heart. But one thing I do know for sure is that, no matter what happens next, I will always come back to this place and these people.

Susannah told me that when I was born, she knew I was destined for one of her boys. I always hoped it would be Conrad. But here I am, about to kiss Jeremiah Fisher.