Nothing is worse than knowing that you left something behind. It eats at you over and over again until you acknowledge that it doesn't exist anymore, or if you replace it. When you replace it; however, that ripping-your-soul feeling disappears and there is no longer a worry.

But, something that is intentionally replaced? The feeling builds until you have to let it go. Emilia couldn't and didn't know how to do that. She knew that she left something behind, but couldn't find the courage to let it go. She couldn't do that to Logan.

She knew this time was different.

~-~-~-~-~-~-

California was worlds different than Glasgow. While Glasgow was green and closely packed together, California was brown and spaced out. Emilia's mom lived near Sunset Boulevard in LA and wasn't the greatest role model to Emilia. Emilia, in return, distanced herself from her mom and became estranged just before she graduated high school. With Emilia's luck, her new living situation would be awkward.

It was awkward to have her mom's boyfriend pick her up from the airport and offer her a joint. It was awkward answering his questions about her life in Scotland. It was awkward hearing him wolf-whistle at girls hanging out by intersections. The whole situation was awkward.

In true fashion, her mom wasn't there to greet Emilia. Instead, the boyfriend stood awkwardly against the front door and watched Emilia embrace her surroundings. The apartment where they lived was small, cramped, and smelled faintly of weed and cherry liquor. Trash and dirt scattered across the floors and the living room furniture had a faded white sheet draped over. It was a very sad sight to behold.

"You're sharing a room with my fish," the boyfriend said. "The room is down the hall and to the left."

Emilia nodded her head in thanks and walked to the bedroom. The surroundings around her became grimmer and grimmer. A kitchen didn't exist-instead was a microwave, a fridge, and a hotpot. Laundry bombs sat in the hallway. When Emilia reached her bedroom, she took a deep breath.

She opened the door and peered in. On one side was a bed, a tiny desk, and a dresser. On the other side was a giant fish take. Rainbow colored fish swam through the water and bolted to their hiding places when Emilia turned on the light.

"It's not much," Emilia said under her breath.

She walked into the room and dropped the suitcase next to the desk. She pulled her phone from her pocket and responded one-by-one to the pile of messages she received. She texted her dad and brother before turning her full attention to Logan's messages.

The messages stabbed her heart. Emilia's fingers hovered over the keyboard as she thought about what she wanted to say. She needed to tell him that she was safe, but didn't want to risk spilling her guts out.

'I made it home! Scotland spoiled me in housing, but I have my work cut out for me,' Emilia texted. 'How was your day?'

Emilia's heart raced as she pressed send. The message went through, but two gray check marks instantly popped up. Emilia sighed and exited out of Whatsapp. She stopped when she saw her lock screen and took a deep breath. Glasgow was eight hours ahead of California. Logan was finishing work and heading to bed.

She put her phone on the desk and opened her suitcase. Her clothes were messily packed into packing cubes and barely protected any breakable items. Everything else was packed into boxes and slowly coming to California.

As Emilia started to unpack, she noticed a white penguin statue. She didn't remember buying the statue, so she thought that Logan got it for her. A note was taped to the statue.

"I knew you would see this when you started unpacking. I bought this statue just after we had our first date. I was thinking of a good time to give it to you, but fate had other plans. I hope this statue reminds you of Glasgow and the memories we created together. I'll be making my California debut soon!-Logan"

Emilia smiled and placed the statue on the desk. Even separated, Logan knew how to make her feel better. Round two, here it comes.