A few weeks have passed since I made the difficult decision to step back from our adventures. The house is quieter now, and the familiar hum of exploration has been replaced with a slower, more introspective pace. Jake, Sam, Colby, and Nora had planned a big adventure, and I insisted they go without me. I wanted them to enjoy themselves without feeling any added pressure from my presence.

They left early this morning, excited and energized for what lay ahead. I stayed behind, finding solace in the familiar routines and quiet corners of the Trap House. But as the day wore on, I felt a pang of longing for the camaraderie and thrill of our adventures.

When I saw that they'd posted a new video from their trip, my heart skipped a beat. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to watch it. But curiosity and a deep sense of connection drove me to click on the video. I settled into my wheelchair, preparing myself for what was to come.

The video opens with a sweeping aerial shot of a rugged, stunning landscape. The camera pans over a dramatic mountain range and dense forest. The kind of breathtaking scenery that always used to spark our excitement. Nora's voice cuts in, filled with enthusiasm.

"Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another epic adventure! Today, we're exploring one of the most remote and beautiful locations we've ever visited. It's going to be incredible, so stay tuned!"

I watch with a mixture of pride and sadness as the video shifts to shots of the crew hiking along rocky paths, their faces glowing with excitement. The camaraderie is palpable, their laughter and shouts echoing through the forest. It's heartwarming to see them so happy, but it also tugs at the part of me that misses being a part of it all.

Sam is in front, leading the group with his usual energetic spirit. "This place is amazing! The views are out of this world, and we've got some cool surprises ahead. Wren, wish you were here with us!"

Hearing Sam's voice is both comforting and painful. I can tell he means it, but it's a stark reminder of the gap that now exists between us. I try to push away the lump in my throat and focus on the adventure unfolding on the screen.

The video continues with various clips of the crew tackling challenging trails, navigating narrow ledges, and exploring hidden caves. Colby's voice comes through next, filled with excitement as he points out a particularly stunning rock formation. "Check this out! This rock formation is incredible—something we've never seen before. We've got some great shots of it, and I know you'd love this, Wren."

I close my eyes for a moment, imagining how the adventure would have been if I were there. I see their joy, and it contrasts sharply with the reality of my current situation. The adventure that once felt like an extension of who I was now feels like a distant dream.

The video transitions to a campfire scene. The crew is gathered around, sharing stories and laughing. Jake's voice takes over, and there's a warmth and sincerity in his words. "This has been one of our best trips yet. We're having such an amazing time, but it's not the same without Wren. We miss having her out here with us."

Hearing Jake's words brings a fresh wave of emotion. It's touching to know that they miss me, but it also reinforces the sense of loss I've been feeling. I let a few tears slip down my cheeks, struggling to hold back the sobs that threaten to emerge.

Nora chimes in next, her voice filled with genuine sentiment. "We're having a blast, but Wren, we want you to know that you're always with us, even if you're not here physically. We're thinking of you and hoping you're doing okay."

I'm overcome with a mix of sadness and gratitude. It's clear that they're trying to keep me in their thoughts, and I appreciate the effort. But it's hard not to feel like an outsider, watching from the sidelines as they create memories without me.

As the video wraps up, there's a final montage of the crew celebrating the end of their adventure. They're all smiles, sharing high-fives and looking exhausted but fulfilled. The camera catches a last shot of the stunning landscape, and Nora's voice comes in one last time.

"Thanks for joining us on this adventure. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. And Wren, we can't wait to have you back with us. Until then, take care, and we'll see you soon."

The screen fades to black, and I sit in silence, the echoes of their voices and laughter lingering in the air. The room feels colder now, the joy of their adventure clashing with the quiet void left in their absence.

I wipe away the tears, feeling a deep sense of longing and resignation. The adventure that once defined my life now feels like a distant memory, and the future seems uncertain. I don't know if I'll ever be able to return to the way things were, and that uncertainty weighs heavily on me.

The video has ended, and I'm left alone with the silence of the Traphouse. The weight of the day's emotions is heavy, and I feel a deep sense of isolation as I sit in the dimly lit living room. The echoes of my friends' laughter and the thrill of their adventure feel like a distant memory, and the reality of my current situation is hard to ignore.

I'm lost in my thoughts when the door creaks open, and Devyn steps into the room. She pauses for a moment, taking in the sight of me sitting alone, tears streaking down my cheeks. Without saying a word, she quietly crosses the room and sits down beside me, her presence a comforting anchor in the sea of my emotions.

Devyn's voice is soft and gentle. "Hey, Wren. I saw the video, and I couldn't help but notice you're upset. Do you want to talk about it?"

I take a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. "Yeah, I think I need to. I just— I don't know if I'll ever get back to how things used to be. Watching them have so much fun, while I'm stuck here... it just hurts."

Devyn nods, her expression one of deep empathy. "I can only imagine how hard that must be. It's not easy seeing everyone out there doing what you used to do. But your feelings are completely valid."

I look over at her, the sadness evident in my eyes. "I miss the adventures, the excitement, and the camaraderie. I miss being a part of something that brought me so much joy. It feels like my life is on hold, and I don't know if it will ever be the same."

Devyn reaches out and takes my hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay to feel this way. You've been through so much, and it's natural to grieve the loss of what was. But remember, this doesn't mean you're alone or that things won't change. You're still an important part of our lives, and we're all here for you."

Her words offer some solace, and I feel a small measure of relief. We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments, Devyn's presence a steadying force. The quiet is a balm to my troubled thoughts, and I find comfort in her company.

After a while, Devyn speaks again, breaking the silence with a hopeful note. "You know, I've been thinking. Maybe we could do something to lift your spirits. How about a girls' night out? We could go out, have some fun, and get a change of scenery. And if you're up for it, I could invite Katrina to join us. It could be a nice distraction and a chance to reconnect."

I consider her offer, feeling a flicker of hope. The idea of spending time with friends, away from the confines of the house and the weight of my current situation, is appealing. "That sounds like it could be really nice. I haven't seen Katrina in a while, and it would be great to get out and have some fun."

Devyn's face lights up with a warm smile. "Great! I'll make sure to get in touch with Katrina and see if she's available. We'll plan something that's relaxing and enjoyable, just what you need right now."

I nod, feeling a sense of gratitude for her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Devyn. I really appreciate this. It means a lot to me."

Devyn squeezes my hand once more before standing up. "I'm glad to help. We all need moments of joy and connection, and I think this could be just what you need."

As Devyn heads out to make arrangements, I feel a renewed sense of hope. The prospect of a girls' night out, of reconnecting with old friends and finding a bit of joy, is a welcome change from the heaviness I've been feeling.

I take a deep breath, feeling the tension in my body start to ease. With Devyn's support and the promise of a fun evening ahead, I'm reminded that while my life has changed in ways I never expected, there are still moments of connection and happiness to be found.

As I wait for Devyn to return with the plans, I find myself looking forward to the upcoming night out. It's a small step towards reclaiming some of the joy that has felt elusive, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with friends who care deeply about me.

a/n: HOLY SHIT GUYS 50 CHAPTERS???? HOW HAVE I MANAGED. This is the longest book I have ever written and it makes me so happy. I cannot believe we're at 50 chapters... and there's so much more to go.  But I promise it'll be worth it to stick around