In the midst of exhaustion and emotional turmoil, the day presented itself with a new challenge. I couldn't escape the pervasive sense of weariness that clung to me, but the demands of filming pressed on. As I made my way to the pool, my encounter with Caroline added another layer of frustration to an already difficult day. Her directive to "perk up" felt like a dismissive command to put on a façade for the cameras.

On the contrary, Callie's genuine inquiry about my well-being offered a small reprieve. I muttered a half-hearted "I'm okay," concealing the true weight of my emotions. The upcoming challenge, though, promised a distraction of sorts—a chance to focus on planning a date, even if confined within the mansion's walls.

Callie announced that Mia, Luna, and Casey would take on the task of organizing individual dates for us.

"Can we leave the mansion?" Mia asked.

"No," Callie said, "You cannot. But remember- this mansion is vast, with many unexplored amenities."

Callie was right- the lowest level of the mansion especially had many unexplored territories- including a movie theater, bar, and full spa with a sauna and jacuzzi.

Callie told the contestants that they had an hour to plan a date.

As I waited for my first date to begin- I couldn't help but think what Perry would have planned for us.

My first date was with Luna.

Luna's date unfolded in the tranquil ambiance of the spa, offering a welcome escape from the tension and heartache that had defined recent days. Luna, draped in a comfortable robe, greeted me with a warm smile, and I soon found myself enveloped in the same plush garment. The promise of a relaxing manicure stirred a sense of anticipation.

Seated at a dedicated table, Luna's skilled hands embarked on the meticulous task of painting my nails. I chose a light blue color.

"I'm excited to have my nails painted," I said, "I'm not allowed to for work."

"Baby blue is a wonderful choice," Luna said, "You know, my hair was light blue only weeks before the show started."

"I dyed my hair cotton candy pink a couple of years ago," I said, " Sierra, hated it."

"I'm sure it looked very pretty," Luna said, gently painting my nails with sharp precision, "I've had every single hair color under the sun."

"What is your natural hair color?"

"Dark blonde," Luna said, "I haven't seen it since I was 12. That's when I dyed my hair red, starting my escapades with hair dye."

"What's your favorite color to dye your hair" I asked her.

"I tend to always go back to purple and blue. I once had rainbow, which was amazing, but it would have been so much upkeep."

The exchange wove a thread of connection between us. Luna then introduced a touch of aromatic indulgence, using her own lavender-scented lotion to massage my hands—an intimate gesture that further deepened the sense of relaxation and camaraderie on our date.

"Thank you," I said to Luna as the date ended, "This was really needed,"

Luna then pulled me into a warm embrace, and I hugged her back.

"I also needed that," I said to her.

"I know," Luna said, giving me a smile.

Casey's date unfolded within the cozy confines of the mansion's movie theater, a comforting aroma of popcorn lingering in the air as I entered the space. Casey, a self-professed movie buff, revealed her plan—a departure from the typical cinematic experience. Instead of watching a full-length film, we were to enjoy an episode of any show of my choosing, fostering a laid-back atmosphere.

As Casey inquired about my favorite show, I promptly selected "Shameless." A shared appreciation for the series elicited a warm smile from Casey, affirming a newfound connection over a common source of entertainment. The flickering glow of the screen illuminated the theater, creating an intimate setting for our impromptu TV night.

With the pilot episode of "Shameless" gracing the screen, Casey and I settled into adjacent seats, the inviting aroma of popcorn wafting through the air. We shared a bucket of popcorn, freshly dispensed from the machine in the corner, which became a shared indulgence.

Every so often, as we both reached for popcorn, our fingers would lightly touch.

"I hope you're enjoying this," Casey said about halfway through, "I figured something low-key would be best today."

"I am," I said, "Very much so."

Casey smiled at me, and we watched for a little while longer.

"I wonder who lives in this mansion full time," I said to Casey, "It's insane."

"I know," Casey said back, "I cannot imagine. I live with my mom and sister, and the house isn't small- but it is teeny-tiny compared to this."

"I live in an apartment," I said, "So it's like a drop in the ocean."

"Do you live by yourself?" Casey asked me.

"I have a roommate. She's a fellow nurse at the hospital I work at. We're becoming friends, she's very nice," I said.

"I'm looking forward to living on my own again," Casey said, "I miss that about college. No offense to my mom, but sometimes I feel like I am in high school living at her house again."

As the date ended, Casey held my hand for a brief moment and said, "I'm here for you, Amelia. Anytime you need."

The last date was Mia's.

Mia's date unfolded in the basement's exquisite bar, bathed in the soft glow of natural light streaming through expansive glass windows. Positioned behind the bar, Mia assumed the role of bartender with an infectious grin. "I'm your bartender for the day. What can I make for you to drink? I thought maybe you could use one," she suggested, displaying a genuine concern for my well-being.

Amelia chuckled appreciatively, acknowledging Mia's perceptiveness. Taking a seat, she eagerly awaited the concoction that Mia would craft to suit the moment.

"What's your favorite fruit?" Mia asked me.

"Hmmm...probably pineapple."

"Perfect," Mia said, and a couple of minutes later, she presented a strong yet delicious pineapple cocktail in front of me.

"This is so good," I said, "Have you bartended as well?"

Mia nodded, "Luna isn't the only bartender here. My first job ever was as a bartender. I was 17. I lied to the restaurant I worked at about my age, and they let me on the bar. I loved it."

"I could see you being a bartender."

"After my kidney transplant, I wasn't quite ready for the kitchen again yet, so I bartended a couple of nights a week. I miss it," Mia said- and I felt proud of her for being more open about her health.

"How old were you when you had your transplant- if you don't mind me asking?"

Mia looked uncomfortable for a split second, but she answered, "I was 24. But I got diagnosed with lupus when I was 18. The worst part about it all was dialysis. It made me feel terrible. But I really liked my nurse at the dialysis clinic. I actually wound up hooking up with her when I got better."

I couldn't help but laugh, "Why am I not surprised?"

"Hey, I'm glad I can make you laugh," Mia said, grinning at me.

Mia made me another drink before the date ended- this time one not as strong.

"This has been really nice," I said to Mia, "This is one of the best drinks I've ever had."

"Wow, you flatter me, Amelia," Mia said back.

Reflecting on those three dates, I couldn't deny the distraction they offered from the persistent sadness that lingered in the wake of Perry's departure. The moments of enjoyment they brought were like a temporary escape from the ache in my heart. However, as I sat alone in my room that night, the thoughts of Perry began to resurface, accompanied by a complex mix of emotions.

Anger started to bubble up within me, fueled by a burning question: How could Perry just up and leave, seemingly discarding everything we had built together? It felt like an abrupt and painful end to something that had held such promise. Yet, amid the frustration, there was also a deep understanding of Perry's struggles with mental health.

Reflecting on the strength of my feelings for Perry, I couldn't deny the profound impact she had on me. Her presence, her smile, the connection we shared—it all left an indelible mark on my heart.

Perry had become more than just a contestant on a reality show; she was someone who had touched my soul in ways I hadn't anticipated.