“Stay here,” Jamie said, pressing the locket into Ella’s hand. “I’ll come back for you. I promise.” She nodded. “I’ll wait.” He left. Seasons turned. The road stayed empty. Years later, a traveler passed. “Are you waiting for someone?” they asked. Ella smiled, hopeful. “Jamie.” The traveler paused. “There’s no one by that name in these parts.” Ella’s smile faded. She looked down the road. Had he forgotten? Or had something else found him first?

The Name That Fades

Eliyah Roberts