Chapter Six: Autumn Turns to Winter
The weeks passed, and their Thursday tradition blossomed into something more.
Movie nights. Dinners. Long walks under falling leaves.
He told her about the stories he wanted to write - not just about places, but people.
She told him about her dream of starting her own consulting firm - something she'd shelved long ago.
Together, they began to believe in possibilities.
And yet, as December came, a chill grew in Sophie's chest.
Daniel hadn't brought it up, but she knew - he had travel plans again. She saw the guidebooks on his desk.
"Where to next?" she asked one night, trying to sound casual.
He looked down. "Argentina. January."
Her heart sank.
"I thought maybe… we could go together," he said.
She blinked. "What?"
"I know it's fast. I know it's crazy. But you said you wanted to take a risk."
"And my job…"
"You said you've been dreaming of change."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a folded brochure.
On it: Work Remotely, Live Passionately - Buenos Aires Co-Work Retreat.
She stared at it.
Then at him.
"I must be insane," she whispered.
"Good. Me too."