Henry’s phone buzzed.
He didn’t even need to look, he already knew it was Patrick.
It hadn’t been long since Nina left, but part of him still felt, unmoored.
Not because he didn’t trust her.
But because when you love someone that deeply, part of you always floats just a little above ground.
Hey bro
I’m sure Nina already texted you 💬 , but just to be sure:
She’s here, she’s safe, and she’s glowing
We’re just walking around the city now
Good vibes only ✌️
📷 PHOTO
Attached were a photo.
A photo of Nina, a genuine gaze, the sun catching gold in her hair.
That was his favorite version of her: unguarded, playful, just, herself.
He exhaled, only now realizing he’d been holding his breath.
Thanks, man
Take good care of her, alright?
You know how delicate she is
How…
sensitive
Of course
She’s your diamond, bro 💎
We’ve got her
What are you guys up to now?
Just strolling for now.
Gonna grab something to eat, Nina’s starving 😂
Didn’t even unpack. Just said,
I need something delicious and marched out the door
Henry could picture it perfectly, her sudden bursts of energy, the way she chased comfort like a child chasing butterflies.
That was Nina: cautious heart, impulsive feet.
And knowing Patrick and Bill were by her side made it easier to let go.
Alright. Enjoy it
Just, drop me a message now and then, okay?
Not being clingy, just, you know 😅
Gotcha. Totally 👍
Later that same day
Hey, checking in, like I promised ☕
We’re sitting at this cute café, me and Bill
Waiting for Nina
She’s off on a mission
says she doesn’t have a swimsuit 😂
Of course
Classic Nina, buying one last minute, like it’s part of the adventure🎒
He hadn’t decided if it was adorable or strategic 😏
Just make sure she comes back in one piece 😉
Bro, she’s in good hands 🙌
Honestly?
She looks happy
Like, really lit up from the inside ✨
What did you do to her before she left?
Honestly?
Nothing special
I just told her to let go of everything for a few days
That she deserves to feel free, and have fun.
Guilt-free 🌿
That’s exactly what she needed
We’re all recharging just by being near her 🔋
You know that thing she has?
That soft, radiant vibe?
It’s unreal
Like, pure feminine energy 🌸
Oh, btw, did you tell her you lost her in poker? xD 🎲
Haha, yeah. Of course I told her 😂
And?
She smiled
Kinda, delighted, actually 😊
You know her
Sweet, weird, wonderful 💕
There was a pause.
Henry saw the typing dots come, go, return.
Man, you’re lucky 🍀
A girl who feels flattered being won in poker?
That’s rare 🎲
She’s playful, but still so grounded 🧡
She makes it look effortless
like she’s in on the joke and still the one in control 😏
Henry’s chest warmed.
Not just at the words, but at the genuineness in them.
He appreciated Patrick.
And that wasn’t something he said about many people.
So tonight, we’re walking through town again 🌆
Find a nice spot
Watch people go by
Maybe scope out some girls
You know, just look 👀
Now that we have your girl here, we’re keeping it classy 😎
You called her a girl 😏
Bro, she’s your girlfriend
But she’s still a girl
The girl 💫
Don’t make me feel weird for saying something true 😅
Alright alright
Can’t argue with that 😄
Even Bill said he’s not hitting on anyone tonight
Out of respect 🙏
Good
No more of his
Hi, My name is Bill with that awkward handshake xD 🤝
Dude, don’t knock it
His style? Weirdly effective 😂
Pure confidence 💪
Haha, yeah
He’s got class
You? Questionable at best 😜
C’mon, man
You’ve had your moments too
Let’s not pretend you’re a saint 😇
But right now?
Only one girl matters
Your girl
Nina – Respect. Always 🙌
Sure, stop kissing up 😏
Nah bro, I mean it
Your woman?
That’s sacred
We’re just enjoying the views tonight 👀
But between us, Nina’s been in that store forever 😂
We finished our coffee and she’s still trying on bikinis 👙
Mission Bikini? 😆
Still in progress 🛍️
But no complaints
The table’s nice, the view’s even better
Tourists everywhere
Girls from all over Europe walking by 🌍
Every look, every style
It’s wild
Man, I kinda hate you right now
There’s nothing like that here 😩
You should hate me
It’s paradise
Sun, breeze, color, freedom 🌞🌊
I’m not even embarrassed to say it
It’s magic ✨
It’s hormones, bro
Not magic 😆
Haha!
Okay, maybe 😅
But it feels magical
Like one of those lazy beach movies 🎬
There she is
Nina ✨
Even happier than before 💖
Henry stared at his screen.
And smiled.
There was something in Patrick’s words
Not just honesty.
But loyalty.
A kind of care that was simple and clean.
And with Nina glowing somewhere by the sea,
and two of his oldest friends keeping her safe,
he allowed himself something he hadn’t felt in days:
Peace 🌙
We’re heading out for a little stroll now
I’ll text you later. Promise 🌃