Chapter 68

Elodie blinked away the memories of her parents, the last car ride they took together. ‘Okay.’ She handed Gabriel his gift. ‘I figured, you being the doctor and all, could use a break. Enjoy your “World’s Smallest Surgeon Simulator” VR Game!’ Gabriel chuckled. ‘Coffee stains and paperclip aneurysms, here I come!’ She topped off the gift with a T-shirt that read, ‘I Operate on Brains, What’s Your Superpower?’ Gabriel hugged Elodie again. ‘Thanks, El. I love them.’ In return, he handed her another box. Elodie accepted it. ‘What’s this? Are we doing double gifts this year?’ ‘It’s from Oliver.’ Elodie’s head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. ‘Oliver’s back in town? Where is he?’ Gabriel shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea, honey. I woke up this morning to find this box on my living room coffee table, with a note to say it’s for you.’ Elodie’s face fell. ‘Oh.’ It had been over two years. Two years of radio silence, broken only by the occasional cryptic texts relayed through Gabriel. Since their pare