Overview

Rio leaves Montréal after a win, planning to surprise Hallie by flying home early for her birthday. When Wren reveals Hallie left town with a suitcase and is unreachable, Rio grows alarmed and starts searching for answers.

He calls Hallie repeatedly with no response, then reaches out to her brother Luke, who confirms Hallie is not in Minnesota and that their father is fine. As Rio paces the airport, noting Hallie’s recent distance, he receives a shocking text message.

Full Summary

After a road game win in Montréal, Rio heads to the airport determined to surprise Hallie by arriving home before midnight for her birthday. He texts Wren to coordinate sneaking into the house, keeping the surprise from Hallie.

Wren replies that Hallie left early that morning with a suitcase and has not responded to texts. Concerned, Rio pauses before security and messages their friends, but no one has heard from Hallie. He calls Hallie; the call goes to voicemail.

Fearing a repeat of her previous urgent trip when her father was hospitalized, Rio considers Minnesota. He calls Luke, explains Hallie left Chicago that morning, and asks if she is there. Luke says their father is doing well and Hallie is not in Minnesota, but offers to call her and update Rio.

As Rio waits, he repeatedly tries Hallie without success. He reflects that Hallie had been distant over the past week, with shorter calls and fewer texts, which he had attributed to renovation work. His unease grows as he paces the terminal.

Finally, Rio’s phone dings. He reads a text message that shocks him—something he “never thought” he would see—ending the scene on a moment of alarm and uncertainty about Hallie’s whereabouts and intentions.

Who Appears

• Rio — narrator; plans to surprise Hallie for her birthday, discovers she left town, contacts friends and Luke, receives a shocking text.
• Hallie — Rio’s girlfriend; leaves Chicago early with a suitcase, does not answer calls or texts, her recent distance alarms Rio.
• Wren — Hallie’s friend/roommate; informs Rio that Hallie left with a bag and hasn’t responded.
• Luke — Hallie’s brother; confirms Hallie is not in Minnesota and that their father is fine, offers to reach her.
• Zee (Zanders) — teammate/friend; mentioned as someone who would have warned Rio if Hallie were coming to the road hotel.
• Stevie — friend; mentioned as a possible source of team hotel info Hallie could have used.