Johnny Kavanagh 2

it was the second night of the getaway trip. you had just come back from swimming — skin still damp, hair dripping down your back. the pool lights glowed soft behind you.

and you didn’t notice the necklace was gone until it was too late.

the villa lights were warm. music was playing. people laughing by the pool. and you were a little tipsy — dizzy in that soft, golden way. but then your fingers reached for your neck. and it wasn’t there.

your chest dropped.

“my necklace,” you whispered. “it’s gone.”

everyone started looking. some scanned the grass. others peeked around the pool. someone joked about diving in, but no one really did.

you just sat on the steps, hugging your knees. heart aching. it wasn’t just a necklace. it was a gift. from your mom.

then gibsie walked over.

“found this in the pool,” he said, holding it out.

you stared at it. dripping wet. chain knotted. but it was yours.

you took it with a quiet, “thank you…”

but your eyes drifted past him. and that’s when you saw johnny.

he stood farther back, near the trees. soaking wet. shirt clinging to him. chest rising and falling like he’d just come up for air.

your breath caught.

he didn’t say a word. didn’t even look at you directly. just turned away, walking off into the dark.

claire leaned close. “johnny saw how upset you were so he dove in for it. and gave it to gibsie to pass to you.”

you always knew. because enemies don’t dive into the deep end for something that 'doesn’t matter'.