No More Backing Down

Ximena and Preston made plans for a peaceful seaside town before graduation. But Blair Hayes, Ximena's so-called best friend, convinced Preston to take an Arizona–Utah road trip instead. Ximena cancelled the coastal bookings and reworked the itinerary. On the day they left, Blair claimed the front passenger seat while a carsick Ximena was relegated to the back. At a rest stop, Ximena stepped out for medicine, and the car drove off without her. Preston would not turn back. Rather than chase after them, Ximena boarded a flight to Porto Cielo and built a slow-travel life by the sea on her own. When Preston later came pleading, Blair called Ximena a burden, then admitted she had seen her get out and chose to stay silent. Half a year on, Ximena stood on her own two feet.