Chapter 16: Goosebumps

Life in Mayfair had settled into a comfortable rhythm for me. My days were filled with collecting art and exploring new creative avenues. Weekends were spent with Samantha, my oldest friend, catching up on the latest happenings over coffee or lunch. Jason and I had found a way to make the distance work, our video calls becoming a cherished part of my routine. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I was about to meet Samantha at a new seafood restaurant that had opened in town. Before leaving, I decided to call Jason. I missed him more than usual today and just wanted to see his face, even if it was through a screen. He picked up on the second ring, his face lighting up with a smile when he saw me. "Hey, beautiful," he greeted, his voice warm and soothing. "Hey yourself," I replied, feeling my heart flutter at the sight of him. He was in the kitchen, his phone propped up on the counter. I could see he was in the middle of making something, his hands busy with a bowl of mashed potatoes. He