Epilogue

Chloe stood in the shower, the hot water cascading over her. She hardly felt it. Her entire body felt numb. Even her brain felt numb. The worst part was she didn't even feel like it had sunk in yet. It was over. In her own mind, it was finally over. She'd gained all the answers she'd so desperately chased since Rachel's disappearance and her wish of seeing Max again had come true. And all it had taken was for her to lose everything.

They'd found the darkroom Max's notes had mentioned and found it in the exact place she'd predicted. Sure enough, the photos they'd found in there had given them the exact location of Rachel's body. After so long Chloe had all but given up hope of finding her alive, but having to face the reality of her death was a whole new gut punch. She'd lost them both in the same day. She didn't even know if Max had heard her response at the very end.

David had given her Max's diary when he'd come back. The police had apparently impounded the pages with the notes on as evidence, but the rest of it was all hers. And she would treasure it. She'd been reading through, hoping against hope that it would offer some knowledge of her time in Seattle. Maybe even a reason why she didn't keep in contact. Unfortunately there was no such luck. It looked like she'd bought the diary just before coming to Blackwell specifically for all the stuff that was going to happen there. She'd already nearly filled it with photos, but it was the note at the back that had caught her attention:

Chloe,

I don't have time to tell you everything. I wish I could explain everything that's going on now. But I'm going to need your strength to do the most difficult thing I've ever had to do. When I see you again, it'll be both hello and goodbye. This was our first stop, but it was also my last. I know there's going to be no way to save you and save myself at the same time. If offered the choice as I will be, I choose you every time. That's just how it is.

I wish there were another way. Truly, I do. But I'm leaving this message, as well as some others that contain all the answers you're looking for, in the hopes that you'll understand why I had to do this. You'll know them when you see them. When you do, give this diary to David if I didn't get chance to tell you to do that already. He'll take it from there. I know you don't get on with him but he does love you and he wants answers just as bad as you.

I'm so sorry this had to happen, Chloe. I would have given anything to be able to see you again properly and tell you how I feel. I was too scared before we moved and while I was away it just seemed too futile with you out of reach. I have no more time, so I'll say it now in case I don't get chance: I love you, Chloe. I have done for years. I know that probably makes things worse right now since I'll be gone when you read this, but always remember that I never forgot about you. Live your life to the fullest and know that I'll never truly leave you.

Pirates forever,

Max.

Chloe turned off the shower and let out a heavy sigh. She stepped out onto the soft mat and wrapped herself in a towel, with that done, she turned to the mirror and frantically stifled a scream. It took her brain a second to realise what she was seeing, but the letters written in the condensation were unmistakable.

'Still Here!'

Episode 3

End