When I opened my eyes again, I realized I had been pulled back—shoved, really—into the sweltering humidity of the summer that changed everything. The day Laura was supposed to tell me she loved me. In my previous life, a diagnosis of ALS at forty had scribbled a hurried, cruel period at the end of my story. As I lay dying, Laura had clung to me, her voice breaking into a thousand jagged pieces. She told me that in the next life, she would find a way to protect Parker. She wouldn’t let him slip away again. We had spent decades tethered together by our shared guilt over Parker, supporting each other through the long, gray years, yet never quite escaping the shadow he left behind. That summer after high school graduation, I had accepted Laura’s confession. Back then, we were naive enough to think it was the beginning of our "happily ever after." We didn’t see the look on Parker’s face. When he found out, he quietly changed his college plans, choosing a school three thousand miles away, effectively severing the "Iron Triangle" we had formed since childhood. The night before he was supposed to leave, he got wasted at a dive bar. He was dragged into the alleyway behind the building. He died there, broken and humiliated under the weight of a senseless beating. That news became the rot at the center of our lives. My story began at five years old, when the wealthy Connors family plucked me from an orphanage to be a companion for their only son, Parker. I remember our first meeting vividly. Parker grabbed his best friend, Laura, and pulled her toward me. He had a piece of saltwater taffy in his hand; he snapped it in half and gave me the larger piece. From that day on, the three of us were the only world that mattered. 1. The neon lights of the karaoke private room flickered, and the air smelled like cheap beer and sweat. My classmates were screaming lyrics into the mic, the clink of bottles providing a rhythmic backdrop to the chaos. Laura and Parker weren't there. Suddenly, the memory of Parker’s final moments in that damp alley flashed behind my eyes—the blood, the terror. My hands began to shake as I pulled out my phone. I texted Parker: “Hey, I’m beat. Heading home early. Don’t stay out too late, okay?” I grabbed my jacket, muttered a goodbye to the person nearest the door, and bolted. In the elevator, I leaned my forehead against the cool metal wall. Tears I couldn't control began to track down my face. Not this time, I whispered to the empty air. I won’t let the cycle repeat. The Connors' estate was a tomb of silence when I arrived. Parker’s parents were already asleep. I crept upstairs, my heart hammering against my ribs. I passed Parker’s room and saw the door was slightly ajar. On his desk sat a framed photo of the three of us in elementary school—grinning, toothless, and invincible. The grief hit me like a physical blow. In that other life, I had said "yes" to Laura. I had been so blinded by my own feelings that I didn't see Parker’s forced smiles or the way his heart was shattering in real-time. He had fled to a frozen city across the country to get away from us. And then came the alley. When we finally found him, the scene was etched in nightmare. He was covered in blood, his clothes torn to rags. His body was a canvas of cigarette burns and hateful graffiti. But it was his eyes that haunted me most—the lingering traces of absolute terror, pain, and a hopelessness so deep it swallowed the sun. Laura and I stayed together after that, but we weren't a couple. We were two survivors huddling together for warmth in a house haunted by a ghost. We stayed that way until my body started to fail me, until the ALS began to turn my muscles into stone. The night before I died, she held me, her tears scalding my neck. “Elliot,” she whispered, “if there’s a next life… I have to watch over Parker. I can’t let anything happen to him again.” My chest tightened until I could barely breathe. The tragedy of the past could not—would not—be the prologue of this life. I spent the night staring at the ceiling. The next day, I expected the fallout. In the previous timeline, Laura had planned an elaborate confession that I had just stood up. Knowing her temper, I expected her to storm over and demand an explanation. But my phone stayed silent. No texts, no calls. I checked the group chats. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the messages. “Laura’s been glued to Parker all day.” “Yeah, they’re practically joined at the hip. Didn’t she say she had big plans for yesterday?” “She’s acting super weird around him. Like, she won’t even let him out of her sight.” A cold realization began to dawn on me. I went downstairs to get some water and saw them in the living room. Parker was laughing, peeling a Clementine and popping segments into Laura’s mouth. Usually, she’d swat him away, but today she was still. Her eyes were fixed on him with an intensity that bordered on frantic. Every time he shifted an inch to the left, her gaze followed. Seeing him so vibrant, so alive, sent a jolt of electricity through me. I walked toward them, clutching my glass. “Parker.” He looked up, his smile bright enough to hurt. “Elliot! Come here, man. These oranges Laura bought are incredible.” I started to sit down, but a hand clamped onto my arm with bruising force. Laura pulled me toward the hallway corner, shoving me back against the wall. She stared at me, her eyes rimmed with red, her voice a lethal whisper. “Elliot. Stay away from Parker.” I froze, the air leaving my lungs. “And stay away from me,” she added, her voice trembling with a mix of regret, self-loathing, and something I couldn't quite name. “It’s better for all three of us this way.” I looked into her eyes, and in that moment, the pieces clicked together with the force of an explosion. Laura. She was back, too. 2. After that, I became the target of Laura’s constant surveillance. If I came within ten feet of Parker, she materialized out of thin air, a human shield between us. If I walked into the kitchen to grab a drink while they were in the living room, I could feel her entire body go rigid. Once, Parker was standing on a chair trying to reach a photo album on top of a high cabinet. I reached out to steady him, but before my hand even brushed his arm, Laura lunged forward, nearly knocking me over. “I’ve got it,” she snapped. Parker frowned at her. “What’s your deal? Why are you being so aggressive with Elliot?” She didn't answer. she just took the album and handed it to him. Parker turned to me with an apologetic grin. “Ignore her. She’s been acting like she’s on a warpath lately.” He reached into his pocket and tossed me a pack of gum. “Laura bought it. Half is yours—always, right?” The pack was still warm from his palm. I squeezed it, my throat tight. When we were kids, it was always like this. He never had anything that wasn't half mine. But I knew the rules now. I couldn't be near them. I started withdrawing. I turned down every invitation. Ten invites, ten excuses. I was lazy, I had a headache, I had to study at the library. Eventually, Parker noticed. On a Saturday, he practically kidnapped me, dragging me to a boba shop while Laura followed behind us, her face a mask of cold fury. Parker dug into his shaved ice, his eyes searching mine with genuine worry. “Elliot, what is going on with you?” he asked. “The three of us haven't hung out in weeks. Did you and Laura have a falling out?” I stirred the pearls in my tea, unable to meet his gaze. “No. It’s just… graduation anxiety. Waiting for the final scores, you know?” I tried to pivot, keeping my voice casual. “Have you thought about your college list? The state university here is top-tier. It’s close to home, and your parents would be happy to have you nearby.” The silence that followed was sharp. Laura, who had been staring out the window, turned her head. Her voice was ice. “Close to home isn't always better. Sometimes, it’s better if people get as far away from each other as possible. For everyone’s sake.” The implication was a slap in the face. Parker looked stunned. He nudged her, his voice rising. “Laura! Knock it off! Why are you being such a jerk?” He turned back to me, his expression softening. “Don't listen to her, El. She’s lost her mind.” Watching him defend me made my heart ache with a dull, throbbing pain. That night, I lay in bed, memories playing like a highlight reel behind my eyelids. Age six: two kids made fun of me for not having parents; Parker and Laura fought them until the kids ran home crying. Age twelve: I had a fever, and they snuck out past curfew to bring me soup. Age fifteen: on the roof of the garage, promising we’d be best friends until we were old and gray. The love was real. But the way Laura looked at me now—with suspicion and exhaustion—was also real. The night before the college application portal closed, Parker and I were sitting on the swings in the park. The setting sun stretched our shadows across the grass. After a long silence, I spoke up. “Parker, promise me something. No matter what happens, don't go to bars by yourself. It’s not safe.” He blinked at me, laughing. “Since when did you become my nanny? I hate those loud places anyway.” “I’m serious,” I said. “If you’re ever feeling down, or if you’re upset… call me. Anytime. Okay?” He smiled, but before he could answer, a voice cut through the air like a knife. “Elliot. Harrison.” Laura was standing a few yards away, her face pale. She marched over and grabbed Parker’s arm, pulling him off the swing. “We’re leaving.” “Laura, what the hell? I’m talking to Elliot!” “There’s nothing to talk about.” She started dragging him away, but she threw one last look over her shoulder at me. It was a warning, pure and simple. “Stop trying to get inside his head, Elliot. Leave him alone.” Parker looked back at me as he was led away, his face a mix of confusion and apology. I stood there, watching them disappear into the twilight, until the cold settled into my bones. When it came time to submit my applications, I did it in front of them. I picked the local state university, just like them. Parker cheered, pulling me into a headlock. Laura watched me, her eyes dark and unreadable, but she didn't say a word. What they didn't know was that later that night, I opened my laptop again. I began looking at international programs. And I began searching for the earliest symptoms of ALS. 3. On Sunday, Mrs. Conner cooked a massive dinner and insisted Laura stay. At the table, she kept piling food onto Laura’s plate, beaming. “Laura, honey, eat up. You’ve been such a good influence on Parker lately. He’s been so happy.” She turned her warm gaze toward me. “In this house, Parker and Elliot are my two heartbeats.” Parker grinned. “Mom, you’re being cheesy.” Mr. Conner chuckled. “Laura’s a steady girl. We’re glad she’s looking out for you.” The atmosphere was perfect. Parker was rambling about his plans for freshman year, and Laura would nod occasionally. I ate in silence, the food tasting like ash. Mrs. Conner looked at Parker and Laura sitting side-by-side and sighed contentedly. “You know, I never noticed it before, but you two really do make a handsome couple. You look right together.” The table went still. Parker’s face turned bright red, and he stole a shy glance at Laura. She didn't look up, but she didn't disagree. Mrs. Conner handed me a bowl of soup. “And Elliot, I’m sure you’ll find a wonderful girl soon, too.” I took the bowl, my fingers icy. I forced a polite, shy smile. “Thanks, Mrs. Conner.” After dinner, I started clearing the dishes. As I turned on the faucet in the kitchen, I heard footsteps behind me. Laura was standing in the doorway. “Elliot,” she whispered. “Mr. and Mrs. Conner… they just want what’s best for Parker. They’ve done everything for you.” My heart sank. “I changed your application,” she said. “I used your login. You’re going to the University of Minnesota. It’s far. It’s better for you.” The water rushed over my hands. I gripped a plate so hard I thought it might snap. She was right. Being far away was better for me. But hearing it from her felt like a jagged blade in my chest. I turned off the water and looked at her. “Fine.” She blinked, caught off guard by my easy surrender. I dried my hands and walked past her. “Take care of him, Laura. I won’t get in your way again.” She opened her mouth, but no words came out. That night, my inbox chimed. It wasn't about Minnesota. It was an acceptance letter from a prestigious university in London, along with an invitation to join a research pilot for early intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. I stared at the screen for a long time. Then, I knocked on the Conners' bedroom door. I showed them the offer. “Elliot, you want to go to England?” Mrs. Conner asked, surprised. I nodded. “I want to see the world. I want to try something on my own.” Mr. Conner was quiet for a moment. “Do Laura and Parker know?” I shook my head. “Could you… not tell them? Just for a bit? Parker will try to talk me out of it, and I don't want to lose my nerve.” Mrs. Conner sighed and smoothed my hair. “Oh, honey. If you want to fly, then fly. We’ll keep your secret.” My eyes stung. I hugged them both, tighter than I ever had. “Thank you. For everything.” The next day, I booked my flight. The departure date was set for the day after Parker’s birthday. 4. Two days before the birthday, I went up to the roof to bring in some laundry. Down in the garden, Laura and Parker were sitting on the stone bench. Parker looked tired; his head was nodding. Slowly, his head came to rest on Laura’s shoulder. I saw her body stiffen for a fraction of a second. But she didn't push him away. Instead, she reached up and gently stroked his hair. I turned away, my throat tight. Back in my room, my phone buzzed. A text from Parker: “Elliot! Laura is taking me to the pier tomorrow! Do you think she’s finally gonna…?” He followed it with a string of blushing emojis. I typed back: “She definitely likes you, man.” “For real??” he replied instantly. “For real.” That night, Parker snuck into my room and crashed on my bed like he used to when we were ten. “Elliot, to be honest, I always thought she liked you,” he confessed, staring at the ceiling. “I used to get so jealous, it hurt.” I looked at him from my desk. “But she’s been so mean to you lately,” he continued, frowning. “I don't like it. I’ve told her to knock it off, but she won’t listen.” I smiled softly. “It’s okay. It doesn't matter how she treats me. As long as she’s good to you, that’s all that matters.” “How can you say that? You’re my best friend. She has no right to be a jerk to you.” I didn't argue. I just gave him a quick hug. Parker, you have no idea. She’s being a jerk because she’s trying to save your life. Parker’s birthday party was a small affair at the house. Laura’s parents were there, too. Mrs. Conner held both their hands, her eyes misty. “Seeing you two like this… it’s all I’ve ever wanted. I can finally breathe easy.” I stood on the periphery of the crowd, watching Parker’s face flush deep red. Suddenly, he stood up. “Laura… I have something to say.” The room went silent. He took a shaky breath. “I’ve loved you since we were kids. I don't want to go to college as just your friend. Will you be my girlfriend?” Laura looked at him. Seconds ticked by like hours. The light in Parker’s eyes began to flicker and dim as the silence stretched. Just as he was about to sit back down, defeated, Laura closed her eyes. Then, softly but clearly, she said, “Yes.” The room erupted. Mrs. Conner burst into happy tears. Laura’s parents were beaming. Parker immediately pulled Laura into a crushing hug. Her arms stayed at her sides for a moment before she slowly, tentatively, wrapped them around his waist. She tilted her head back and kissed his jaw. I stood in the shadows by the door, watching the perfect tableau of their happiness. In the warm candlelight, I remembered her dying words from the other life: “I have to watch over Parker.” You did it, Laura. This time, you won. I quietly slipped upstairs. I left my gift on Parker’s bed. It was a glass jar filled with hundreds of paper stars I’d spent a week folding. Inside every single star, I had written the same five words: Parker, I hope you’re happy. I grabbed my suitcase. The party was still roaring downstairs; no one noticed me leave. A taxi was waiting at the curb. Door shut. Airport. Gate. Boarding. My phone buzzed as the plane sat on the tarmac. Parker. “Elliot!!! Where are you? I’ve looked everywhere! Mom said you went out to get me a surprise?” “Get back here! Laura gave me a watch! I want to show you!” I typed: “I’m so happy for you, Parker. Truly.” Then, I powered down the phone. The plane began its taxi, then lifted into the night sky. The city lights below shrunk into a grid of diamonds, then faded into nothing. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. A montage of my life played out: Parker sharing his candy at five. The three of us eating popsicles on the roof at fifteen. The light in Laura’s eyes the first time she told me she loved me. The white walls of the hospital room, her hot tears on my skin as I turned to ice. “If there’s a next life…” And finally, tonight. The candles. Her saying "yes." Parker’s radiant, whole smile. A single tear escaped and rolled down my cheek, unnoticed in the quiet cabin. Goodbye, Laura. Goodbye, Parker. I hope that in this life, the two people I love most get everything they ever wanted. Peace, joy, and a long life together. As for me, my battle was just beginning, thousands of miles away, in a body that was destined to betray me.
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