With a last look at Thea, Ryder was poised to leave. Then, a voice hailed him again, "Ryder!"
He looked back to identify who called....
Thea's eyes lingered on Ryder as he shifted his attention to John. "What brings you by, John?" Ryder inquired, curiosity coloring his words.
John burst forward, chest heaving and sweat glistening on his forehead. "Just give me a second to catch my breath… I'm coming with you, bro! There's no way I'm missing out on all the fun in Sweden!"
He pulled Ryder into a solid, heartfelt hug, ruffling his hair and pounding him hard on the back with eager excitement.
Ryder laughed, returning the hug. "Ryder! I can't believe I am doing this out of impulse!"
Ryder's parents felt relieved that their son wasn't going alone. "We're so glad ..John is joining you, Ryder." his father said.
Thea's heart swelled with happiness for Ryder, but a pang of sadness hit her as she realized he was leaving.
