---- just would not come. As the sacred march played cheerfully on the other end, I closed my eyes for the last time in that crimson tide. Eleven o'clock, at the ceremony. Cameras flashed nonstop, capturing Keith and Joan's big day. Keith and Joan were in the middle of their ring exchange, the air filled with the kind of mushy music that makes them think of forever. Keith took the ring from the little ring bearer, his eyes locking with Joan's, which were shimmering with tears. However, out of nowhere, his thoughts drifted to me. Thad not shown up today, had not even called, which was nothing like me. Everything was supposed to be wrapped up neatly. He took a deep breath and tried to slide the ring onto Joan's finger, but it snagged on her glove right at the second knuckle. Aweird sense of emptiness washed over Keith, wiping the smile right off his face. ---- It had taken him back to a time when I had been curled up against him, playfully demanding he mark me with a ring-pull from a soda can. He had indulged me, getting down on one knee and trying to fit the makeshift ring. However, it had gotten stuck, just like then, and I had laughed it off with a kiss, joking that I would have to settle for a real ring. Snapped back to the present by his growing annoyance, Keith pushed the ring onto Joan's finger with a final shove. Her smile bloomed, and the room burst into applause. However, the celebration was cut short when the doors flew open and the noise of trouble spilled in. Two guys who worked for Keith rushed in, their faces tense. "Sir, there's trouble," they blurted out, and the chatter around them spiked. Keith's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's going on?" he demanded. ---- One of the guys was sweating as he stammered out the news that hit like a punch to the gut. "We just got acall. They found a woman's body at the old factory. It's... It's your sister, Elsie. She... her last call was to you." The words struck Keith like a hammer blow, leaving an empty space in his heart and his thoughts ina whirl. Not even the news of his mother's passing had hit him that hard. Keith couldn't accept it. This just couldn't be true. Elsie dead? How could someone so full of life, so stylish, end up lifeless in a forgotten factory? Could Elsie really be gone? Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.