Three hours later, my flight touched down at Berkrone Airport in the heart of United Germland.
With my luggage in tow, I tracked down the address Wren had given me.
It was quaint apartment just a stone's throw from the school.

Wren, ever thoughtful, had entrusted me with a set of keys, knowing I was coming to study there.
However, when I swung the door open, I was met by the sight of a tall stranger. I froze, then stepped back, mumbling an apology.
"I'm sorry, I must be in the wrong place."
As I turned to leave, a voice stopped me.
"You're... You're Selena Hudson, right?"
The man approached with a friendly smile and continued, "I'm Liam Rogers, Wren's brother. She made me promise to look after you."

I did a double-take.
That could not be Liam, the once chubby big brother who tagged along with Wren and I on candy runs. He had become towering and strikingly handsome, almost unrecognizable.
Liam's smile was gentle as he took my bags and led me to the largest bedroom, which was decorated just the way I liked.
"Wren wanted to make sure you would feel right at home," he said.

My cheeks flushed, and I ducked my head, busying myself with unpacking to hide my embarrassment.
The playful banter that was so easy with Wren suddenly felt shy and awkward coming from Liam. Perhaps it was the fatigue from the long flight or the weight of my thoughts, but by nightfall, I was burning up with a fever of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
I fumbled for my phone, intending to call for an ambulance. As it powered on, a deluge of messages poured in, all from Henry, reaching out from an unknown number, each text more anxious than the last, asking for my whereabouts.
[Selena, why'd you block me? Why's your phone off?]
[Wren mentioned you're overseas, is that for real? Did you really forget today was supposed to be our second 'I do'?]
[Is it because of that mess with Melanie you're upset? It's all lies, babe. Can't we just cool off?]
[Selena, when will you let me back into your life? Take your time to chill, but come back to me. Let's give it another shot.]
He had even wired 75,000 dollars to my account and attached a note.
[Use it to unwind. I'll be here waiting.]
I forced a smile.
Henry still had no clue I was done for good, and there was no coming back to him.
I was about to hit the emergency call when my grip went weak, my phone clattered to the floor.
Next thing I knew, I was out cold.
Lost in a fog, I dreamt a bunch.
I dreamt of Henry, regret all over his face, handing me divorce papers.
I dreamt of him, our baby in his arms, cozying up with Melanie.
Tears started streaming down my face, and they just would not stop.
Through the blur, a warm hand kept soothing my forehead.
A sip of cool water brought relief to my parched throat.
Someone gave me medicine and wiped my sweaty brow with a damp cloth.
They were whispering to me, but their words were just a murmur.
When I came to, it was already the next afternoon.
Liam was there, quiet as a shadow by my bed, with that damp towel still in his hand.
Had he been looking after me the whole night?
I barely stirred, and Liam snapped awake.
He rubbed his weary eyes, his hand instinctively checking my forehead. "Your fever's better. No worries."
A wave of warmth filled my chest, I tried to speak, my voice a raspy whisper.
"Liam, thanks for sticking by me last night."
Had it not been for him, I would not have made it through my first night in that far-off land.