CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-EIGHT: UNEXPECTED VISITORS

"See that fire escape?" she said, gesturing with her sandwich. "That's where I had my first kiss. Bobby Demarco, ninth grade. It was terrible." Mason chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh really? And how does it compare to kissing me?" Claire pretended to consider for a moment before breaking into a grin. "No comparison. You win, hands down." After lunch, they made their way to the New York Public Library, Claire practically bouncing with excitement as they climbed the steps. "I used to spend hours here," she explained as they entered the grand reading room. "It was my sanctuary when things got tough at home or at school." Mason looked around in awe at the ornate ceilings and rows upon rows of books. "I can see why. This place is incredible." They wandered through the stacks, Claire pointing out her favorite sections and recounting memories of late-night study sessions and literary discoveries. As the afternoon wore on, they made their way to Claire's parents' house for a final dinn