Frossen Summer

The ball skidded across the grass of Frostpine Academy, stopping just before my foot. I took one look at the goal ahead of me, then swung hard, letting the sound of the kick echo through the emptying school grounds. The ball soared, not perfect, but good enough, and I couldn’t help smiling as I slowed to a jog. Out here, running under the evening sun, football gave me the only kind of freedom that felt real. “Woohoo! Nice one, Juliana Frossen!”

I turned to see Olivia cupping her hands around her mouth, laughing as if I’d just won the World Cup. She was leaning on the fence, backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. She always did that, cheered me on like the best teammate I never asked for.

I waved, grabbing my water bottle as I walked toward her. “You didn’t even see if it went in.”

“I don’t have to. You kicked it, it counts.” She grinned, then nudged my arm. “So… summer break. Are you going home this time? Everyone else is leaving. I think you should too.”

Her words made my smile falter. I looked down, fiddling with the cap of my bottle. “Yeah, I know.”

“Good.” She shifted the strap of her bag and pulled out a small book. “Because I also have to meet Mike and return this. He lent it to me months ago, and I swear, if I keep it any longer, he’s going to add late fees.”

I laughed softly. “Yeah, you better give it back before he charges you interest.”

Later, when I returned to my room, my phone buzzed with a video call. Mom. I tapped to answer, and there she was, bright-eyed, smiling, the same way she always greeted me. She never looked tired, even if I knew she was.

“There’s my girl,” she said, warmth in her voice.

“Hey, Mom.” Her smile grew. “That’s my baby. So… are you planning on coming home this time?”

I sighed. “Mom, you know how I feel.”

Her expression softened, though the smile never faded. “I do. But how long are you going to let last year decide everything for you? Just come back. It’ll feel different, I promise. At least for your Birthday?”

I sat quietly, chewing on the inside of my cheek. I loved hearing her voice, always did, but my chest felt heavy.

“Please come home,” she said again, gently, like it was the most natural request in the world.

I let out a breath, nodding even though my head felt weighed down. “Yeah, Mom.”

“Good. That’s all I wanted to hear.” She winked, as if to lighten the mood.

“Honey, where’s Olivia?” my mom asked in a way that made me feel something was wrong.

I didn’t hold back.

“Did you guys form a little alliance to bring me home?”I asked, laughing at her.

“Okay, Honey, your dad’s calling me. Bye.” and before I could argue, she hung up, leaving me with the hum of silence.

I dropped my phone on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Something inside me twisted. There’s something that holds me back from going to Valdiria. It’s not the same as it used to be. Last year changed everything.

Frustration rose, and I shoved clothes into my bag before I could talk myself out of it.

The door opened, and Olivia strolled in, hair messy from the walk. “Oh, well. Finally, you decided to go.”

“Guess I did.”

She sat on the edge of my bed, studying me. “But seriously… what happened last year? I know your friend died, but… why does it feel like there’s more to it? Like it still has such a grip on you?”

My hands stilled on the zipper of my bag. The question sat between us like a shadow. Died. That word never sat right with me. “It’s not just that she’s gone. It’s… everything that happened around it. I just…” The words tangled in my throat, and I shook my head. “I can’t tell you.”

Her expression softened. She reached over and patted my hand. “That’s fine. You don’t have to. But if you ever do, I’ll be here. Always.”

I gave her a small smile, my chest easing just a little. “Yeah. I know. Thanks.”

She brightened again, switching the subject like only she could. “So, how are you getting home?”

“Bus.”

“Cool. I’m packing too. But I’ll stay back a little, gonna meet Mike before leaving. Probably spend the night at his place.”

I raised a brow. “And his parents?”

“Out of town for the week,” she said with a mischievous grin.

I nudged her shoulder, teasing. “You’re so lucky.”

“Jealous much?” She laughed, tossing a pillow at me.

Not long after, I shouldered my bag and headed out. The station smelled of diesel and dust, crowded with people lugging suitcases and half-open bags. I found my window seat, pressed my forehead to the cool glass, and watched the lights flicker past as the bus rumbled to life.

Valdiria. My home. My family. My friends. Everything I left behind.

But going back there now? That’s not just a return. That’s opening a door I’ve been keeping locked for a year.

And I’m not sure I’m ready. Valdiria was always filled with happiness. The people, the streets, the little shops, everything about it was lovely. Sometimes it felt like living in the happiest place on earth.

I think of Gareth, Tina, Raven and....Mariah. Being with them always felt like belonging. We grew up walking to school together, sharing secrets, making plans for summers that never seemed long enough. I always felt loved around them, like no matter what happened, I had a place.

Until last year.

That’s when I decided to leave, to study out of town, to escape the memories I couldn’t erase.

One of our favorite spots was Valdiria Pics, the heart of our town. It wasn’t just a café, it was the place to be. Everyone went there after school, after football matches, even after boring family dinners. And the best part? It was owned by Tina’s parents, Victoria Wyrncliff and George Wyrncliff.

Her mom always said their recipes came from her grandmother, and the proof was in the taste. The most famous dish in town was their Moonmelt Custard.

No one could ever recreate it, not even the top chefs who tried. Every summer, they hosted a food festival, and everyone would line up just for a plate of it.

It was tradition. It was joy.

It was everything.

Until last year’s food fest…

My voice trailed off in my head, and I shook the thought away as the bus jolted to a stop. The driver announced a short break.

I stepped down onto the gravel, the cool air brushing against my skin. People stretched their legs, shuffled toward the restroom, or bought snacks from a small stand nearby. I stood still for a moment, breathing in, trying to calm the storm rising again in my chest. When the driver called us back, I climbed into the bus and sank into my seat by the window. The night was darker now, the roads quieter. I pulled out my phone, hesitated, then opened my messages. My fingers hovered before finally typing:

I’m coming home.

It didn’t take long for Tina to reply.

What??

I blinked at the screen and quickly typed back:

It’s close to midnight, what are you still doing?

Her answer came almost instantly, warm and steady.

That doesn’t matter. I’m just… happy that You’recoming back.

I smiled faintly, shaking my head. Typical her.

Another message popped up, full of excitement.

Oh my god!! I can’t believe this. I’ll pick you up first thing in the morning. Just call me when you reach Valdiria.

Yeah, sure, I texted back.

I set my phone down, leaned my head against the cool glass, and closed my eyes.

After what felt like forever, the rattling of the bus slowed, and a warm beam of sunlight crept across my face. I blinked awake, the world outside washed in early morning light. Squinting, I caught the green highway sign as it flashed past the window: 1 mile to Valdiria.

My heart gave a nervous thump. I sat up straighter, gathering my things, brushing the wrinkles from my shirt as if that would steady me.

The bus hissed to a stop at the small station, its doors opening with a heavy groan. I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped down onto the familiar pavement. The air smelled the same — like dust, fresh bread from the corner bakery, and summer heat. For the first time in a year, I allowed myself to think: At least some things don’t change.

I pulled out my phone to call Tina, but before I could even dial, I heard voices shouting.

“Julie! Over here!”

I looked up to see her standing there with Gareth and Raven, all three of them waving wildly like maniacs. They were impossible to miss.

Before I could even react, they were running toward me. My bag was lifted off my shoulder in an instant, and then I was engulfed in hugs, laughter, and voices all tangled together.

“Surprise! Did you really think I’d show up without the boys?” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“We missed you so much!” Tina squealed, holding onto me like I might vanish again.

“How could you just abandon us like that?” Gareth said with mock offense, raising an eyebrow in that way that always made him look like he knew every secret in the world.

I rolled my eyes but smiled despite myself. “It wasn’t exactly abandoning, you know.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Raven cut in, his grin easy and charming as ever. “Come on, let’s get you something. Straight to Pics. It’s tradition.”

I hesitated, glancing toward the road that led to home. “I think… I’ll just go meet you guys later. I should probably see my family first.”

The air shifted for a second. They didn’t take it personally, I never could hate them, but the missing piece of our group was always there, unspoken, hanging between us.

“You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?” Raven said softly, his eyes meeting mine with that steady kind of kindness he always carried. I swallowed hard. “Come on,” Gareth urged, bumping my shoulder playfully. “For us. We’ve missed you like crazy. Just one stop at the café. Please?” I let out a small laugh. “You always have a way of convincing me, Gareth… and that’s dangerous.” They all burst out laughing, the tension slipping away. “See? I told you she couldn’t say no to me,” he said smugly, throwing an arm around my shoulder as we started walking. “Ugh, don’t get too proud of yourself,” Tina teased, tossing her hair dramatically. “We all know I’m the real reason she came back. Who else would she miss this much?” I gave her a look, and she smirked, eyes glittering. She was spoiled, sure, but not in a way that ever hurt us, just in that dramatic, larger-than-life way only she could pull off. And just like that, we were together again. Almost perfect. Almost. Because no matter how loud they laughed, or how tight they held onto me, there was still one voice missing. One seat at the café that would never be filled. Sensing the shift in me, Gareth gave a small smile and said gently, “If you feel like you need a rest, go home first. No pressure. Just make sure you come, we’ll all meet at Pics this evening.” The relief that washed over me was instant. He always had that way of making things feel lighter. I nodded. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.” “Good,” he said warmly, handing my bag back. “Alright then,” Raven cut in, grinning as he hooked an arm around my shoulder. “Come on, let’s drop you at home. Can’t let our runaway friend wander off alone after a year.” I laughed despite myself, and together we started down the familiar streets. When we reached my house, my mom was already at the door. She pulled me into the kind of hug that squeezed the air out of me, the kind I hadn’t realized I missed until that very moment. “Here’s your daughter, safe and sound,” Raven announced dramatically, giving a playful bow before waving at all of us. My parents laughed, and he grinned as he, Tina and Gareth headed off down the street. I smiled, turning back to my mom and dad as they fussed over me, asking a million questions at once. It felt overwhelming, but in the best way. After all the miles and the silence, after all the nights of wondering, I was finally home.