Emma stood near Gate 14, her heart pounding as if it could burst through her chest. She grabbed her boarding pass as if it were her only lifeline. Behind her, hasty footsteps approached. “Emma!” She froze. That voice is deep, familiar, and impossible to forget. Turning slowly, she saw Liam racing toward her, breathless, his eyes moist with tears he didn’t want to shed.

“I couldn’t let you leave like this,” he said softly, holding her hand. “Not without informing you… You were my home. Emma’s throat burned. The airplane announcement read: “Final boarding call for Paris.” “I have to go,” she said quietly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Liam grabbed her face, memorizing every feature as if attempting to halt time.

“Then promise me one thing,” he exclaimed, his voice breaking. “What?” “Don’t forget me… even if the world makes you.” Emma opened her mouth to respond, but reality intervened: the gate was shutting, and time was running out. She kissed him quickly and desperately, tasting like every word they’d never said. Then she ran, never looking back. Liam stood there, hands empty, heart heavy than a bag. And, as the jet rose into the clouds, he pondered whether goodbyes were ever truly final.