P.O.V. - ADDISON
Since I was a kid, summer has always been my favorite time of the year. Families would gather on beaches for the lovely sea and sun. Kids would eat ice cream they bought from a food truck. We always treasure the memories at this time of the year.

But then, I lived in the city. It was more common to hear traffic noises and car horns fill the air. As their feet hit the ground, people walked through the streets. It was all too distracting for me to write my diary entry before I left. On a sunny day like that, I had always admired the white, puffy clouds in the sky.

As I sat by my window, lost in thought, I was distracted by a knock on the door. It was only my mother; she had agreed to let me go on a trip by myself.

"Are you all packed up, Addison?" she asked.

"Yes, Mom. It's only for six weeks in Summerfield, then I'll come back home," I answered.

"Yes, dear," she said with a small laugh. "Are you really sure you'd rather leave when you'll have unlimited internet if you stayed?"

"Mom!" I exclaimed smugly.

"I'm kidding," she said with a chuckle.

I continued chatting with Mom while cleaning my study table and putting papers in a drawer. I even double-checked my luggage.

"It's been a long time since I first met him," I admitted, smiling.

"The boy from the countryside?" Mom inquired. I nodded in response.

"What's his full name again? It's been so long since you mentioned him," Mom asked.

"Mark Thomas Garcia," I said softly, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sound of his name. "Come to think of it, it's been nine years since we last met."

Mom nodded knowingly. "Yes, I remember the time you introduced him when you were kids. He was always full of energy!"

"You know, he'd sometimes write me those letters about his life in Summerfield!" I said. "I just can't wait to see him again."

"Has he been expecting you lately?" she asked.

"We've been writing back and forth for the past few months," I explained. "He knows I'm coming, and he's as excited as I am."

"That sounds wonderful, Addison," Mom said, her face softening with a motherly smile. "Just remember to be safe and have fun. And if you run into any trouble, his parents will be able to help you."

"I will, Mom," I promised, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll keep you updated on everything."

She reached out and squeezed my hand. "I'm going to miss you, but I'm so proud of you for taking this trip on your own."

"Thanks, Mom," I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. "I'll miss you too." With one last hug, I grabbed my luggage and made my way to the door. "Goodbye, Mom!"

"Goodbye! Have a safe trip, dear!" she replied. We parted ways, and I waved goodbye. As I walked down the stairs, I heard the door close behind me.

I took a deep breath and stepped outside, the fresh air filling me with both excitement and nervousness. The walk to the train station wasn't long, but it gave me time to calm my racing thoughts.

When I arrived at the station, I found a nearby seat and settled down, clutching my ticket and bags. A few minutes later, the train announced its arrival with a whistle, signaling it was time to get up and board.

"All aboard! Passengers going to Summerfield, all aboard!" The conductor called out. The crowd of passengers slowly boarded the train. So, I followed them and found a seat closest to the window.

I wondered how he was doing-the question lingering in the air. Then, I put on my headphones and leaned against the window, the rhythmic clatter of the train soothing my nerves.

The train let out a low whistle, signaling its imminent departure. The remaining passengers hurried to find their seats, and the conductor made his final checks along the platform.

As the train slowly pulled away, the view of the station began to blur. The cityscape gradually gave way to the greenery of the outskirts. The world outside turned into a watercolor blur as the train picked up speed.

The trip was just beginning, and I was determined to make the most of every moment. With a final glance out the window, I closed my eyes and let the hum of the train lull me into a peaceful doze.

He had to have changed, right?

🌻

P.O.V. - MARK
I stood at the edge of the old, small train station in Summerfield, staring down the empty tracks that stretched toward the horizon. The wooden platform creaked under my feet, and the distant hum of cicadas filled the air. My thoughts drifted aimlessly as I kicked at the loose gravel beneath me, trying to pass the time.

Dennis, on the other hand, couldn't keep still. He kept looking out at the fields, where golden stalks of wheat swayed gently in the summer breeze. Sweat dripped down his brow, which he wiped away with the back of his hand. The constant heat was starting to get to him.

"Hey, what was that for?" I snapped, rubbing the sore spot.

Dennis just shrugged, his grin widening. "I'm just trying to get your attention. You were spacing out. Again."

"Addison is arriving shortly, and she isn't expecting to see two guys fighting like kids," I said, brushing the dirt off my clothes.

Dennis let out a big sigh, leaning against the wooden bench. "You only say that because we've been waiting here for hours!"

I felt my annoyance rising. "It's been five minutes, you dummy."

"Well, it feels like hours to me!" he exclaimed, raising his hands in exasperation. We stood in awkward silence for a moment, the air thick with heat and tension, until he finally spoke up.

"Um, Mark? When is she going to arrive?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of his impatience. "I don't know, Dennis."

I glanced down at the rails, then out toward the town in the distance. "But as my father always says, 'Life is faster than today's speeds.'" I gave a small chuckle. "No wonder he loves that quote."

"Honestly, your father's a remarkably wise man," Dennis said. I smiled and turned my gaze back to the tracks.

Like sand grains, minutes flew by. Still, I kept my gaze fixed on the horizon, looking for any sign of the approaching train. Dennis shuffled his feet, the wooden boards creaking under him. "Do you think she'll remember us? It's been a while since she last visited."

I turned to him, catching the uncertainty in his eyes. "Of course she will. Addison's not the type to forget her friends. Besides, we've kept in touch."

"I mean, letters are still a common way of communication in this town," said Dennis. "I guess I'm just overthinking it."

A distant rumble caught our attention. I squinted, trying to make out the shape in the distance. "I think that's her train!" I exclaimed, feeling a mix of excitement and relief.

Dennis stood up straighter, his nervous energy now focused on the approaching train. "Finally," he muttered under his breath.

As the train neared the station, its whistle pierced the air. There was a harsh screech of metal as it slowed to a stop. The doors slid open, and passengers began to spill out onto the platform. I scanned the crowd, searching for Addison.

There she was, stepping off the train with a smile that lit up the entire station. When she noticed us, her eyes opened up and she waved enthusiastically.

🌻

P.O.V. - ADDISON
My parents always told me that Summerfield was a popular tourist destination during this time. The station was bustling with tourists, their excited chatter filling the air. I looked around, hoping to spot my friends among the crowd.

Then, I saw two boys with familiar expressions. Recognizing one of them right away, I dashed towards them.

"Mark!" I called out, my voice filled with excitement.

"Addison!" Mark responded, his eyes widening in surprise before a broad smile spread across his face.

"It's really you!" I exclaimed, feeling a rush of joy as I reached him. We stood there for a moment, taking in the reality of the reunion.

We locked eyes for a moment before breaking into joyful smiles and wrapping ourselves in a tight embrace. "It is wonderful to see you all!" I said, my voice brimming with genuine happiness.

"Likewise," said Mark.

"Actually, I don't understand how it took you ten years to come back here," Dennis said, shaking his head.

I smiled and rolled my eyes. "I came here on my own, and Mom said it was fine."

"Well, let's go to my house, shall we?" Mark said, wrapping my arms around Dennis and Addison.

"I'll pass. I need to go home, so I'll see you tomorrow!" Dennis spoke, waving his hand goodbye before heading out of the station.

We watched him go, the evening light casting a shadow behind him. I sighed. "It's been too long, Mark."

He nodded, walking us toward the path that led to his house. "Yeah, it has. A lot's changed, but some things never do."

As we walked, the familiar sights and sounds of Summerfield surrounded us. The cicadas still hummed their summer song, and the fields stretched out, golden and endless.

I looked around, taking it all in. "I missed this place. It feels like I never left." He just nodded and continued to listen to my ramblings.

Then we finally reached his house, and Mark opened the gate, letting me in. "Welcome back," I said with a grin.

I chuckled, finding the greeting warm and comforting. "Thanks, Mark. I can't wait for our summer to start."

Suddenly, his parents greeted me as if I were a regular visitor. Our families had known each other for years, and their hospitality made me feel right at home.

During dinner, Mrs. Garcia asked, "How was the boarding school in the city? It must be a noisy place to live."

"Oh, everything was busy!" I sighed. "Thank goodness I have six weeks left because I need a well-deserved break!"

Mr. Garcia, with his kind eyes and reassuring presence, nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I hope Summerfield can help you relax," he said. "You might be interested in the festival next week."

It sounded intriguing! The idea of a festival full of music, food, and laughter was just what I needed.

After dinner, I took a quick bath and changed into my pajamas. Then, I made my way back to the living room.

Mark and I played a quick game of Scrabble to pass the time. When exhaustion caught up with us, we decided it was time to rest.

"Good night, Addison," Mark said as he headed to his room.

"Good night, Mark," I said. As I settled into the guest room, the events of the day replayed in my mind.
The exciting part begins tomorrow, so a good night's sleep was required.

I drifted off to sleep with a smile, ready to embrace whatever the next morning would bring.