They've been in Florida for a little more than a month now. It's refreshing, in a way, to be away from Mystic Falls. They don't forget about Caroline or anyone else they've lost -- that's always with them -- but it's like they can breathe again, just a little. They begin to fall into routines. Elena writes and he goes out and surfs and sometimes they eat together but often they don't.

It's not perfect, but it's something they can manage. Caroline would want them to find some peace, to be able to help one another. That's what he keeps telling himself. And it's nice to have a new start but still have someone who remembers. Who remembers the asshole he used to be. His parents. Everything that's happened. Who's seen him at his worst.

(What if he asked you to rip out your heart?

I don't know, then I'd rip out my heart.)

Currently, he's sitting out on the beach with his sketchbook. He can't remember the last time he drew. The lines come out both harsh and undefined all at once, like he's trying to make sense of something that might not ever actually make sense.