Caitlin stepped back and started down the hall. "Wait," he said and put his hands on her arms. The warmth radiating through her sweater left her breathless. Being this close to this man was like standing in the middle of a fire. She turned and stared up at him. When their lips touched it felt as if the whole world had engulfed into flames. There was no end or beginning to this situation. Caitlin put her hands on his chest and looked down trying to slow her breathing.
"I shouldn't be here," she said.
"You are. Why?"
"I already told you. You have the answers I need." She looked him directly in the eyes.
"You came because you're alone, scared, and ready to live life. Why are you holding onto childhood dreams?"
She looked away. "Because I love him."
"What about the ranch?"
"It's my home," she said now looking at him again.
"Is it, or is it what your grandfather planned for you? Caitlin, have you ever done anything for you?"
Disbelief filled her mind. "Who are you?"
He laughed. "You're angry because I speak the truth. What are you going to do about it?"
"Good night, Scott." She left the Junction, never looking back.
The car key kept dropping and when she finally put it in the ignition, turning it proved even more difficult. "I'm in a no-win situation. I get close to Scott and risk losing Garrett. I stay away and I never learn why he's here. Through it all, I may never get Garrett. So, why do I keep trying and waiting and dreaming and praying?"
She drove around until the sun rose and then parked in the middle of town. The park bench in front of the library called to her. A cool breeze ripped through her coat and she shivered. Her eyes burned from lack of sleep and her body refused to do anything but slouch.
"Good morning, sweets."
"Hi, Mrs. C." Her voice lacked enthusiasm.
"Goodness gracious, sweets. Are you having bad dreams? Are you ill? I have never seen you look this pale." The older woman placed her weathered hand on Caitlin's forehead. "No, you don't feel warm. What's wrong?"
"Everything." She sighed and let her body slump forward. "How do you know when it's time to give up a dream? What if you give up one dream and the new thing doesn't work out? Do you ever have the chance to go back? Or do you lose it all?"