prologue:

Underneath the old wooden dresser, mixed with a layer of dust and a few wrappers is something I hadn't seen in two long years. My wedding ring. My hand shakes as I reach for it. I finally get my fingers around it, and I hold it close to my body. Just the feel of the medal between my fingers sparked something deep inside of me. I often wondered what Ryan and North we're doing without me. Are they happy? Have they forgotten about me? Is he still looking? I look long and hard at the diamond ring. The words engraved on the inside catch my attention. I never noticed them before. I inhale, the words run through my mind over and over again like a broken record. 'Its always been you.' I slip the ring on, and suddenly I don't feel alone anymore. I feel loved.