Cycling Club's Naked Milestone - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Sophia drove me back to town, sulking the entire ride because I'd cut our trip short.
I kept saying sorry.
"Next time, I promise. We'll hit that restaurant you've been obsessing over."
Only then did her mood lift slightly, flashing me a knowing wink.
"Daniel's not so bad, you know. If you two have issues... maybe work them out between the sheets."
Before I could reply, she laughed and turned to leave.
"Alright, I'm off to have my own fun. Text me if you two kiss and make up."
That was the last time I saw her smile.
For years, I'd wish I'd forced her into the car with me that day.
The next time I saw her, she was sprawled on a hospital gurney, tangled in tubes, shattered like a porcelain doll.
"Don't cry, Jessica. She'll wake up. The cops are on it."
After the trip, Daniel and I patched things up.
He admitted he'd dumped me because he couldn't keep up in bed.
Our... enthusiasm had left him feeling inadequate, even questioning his masculinity.
He knew what I wanted—what I needed.
Too scared I'd reject him, he'd pretended he was the one losing interest.
Post-breakup, he'd seen a therapist and a urologist.
Months later, he'd finally gotten his groove back.
Guilt-ridden, he swore he'd leave me alone—until he cracked and called.
I forgave him. Told him everything that happened after we split.
Expected rage. Got a crushing hug instead.
"Baby, none of this is on you. People have needs. Let's just... start over."
We sobbed into each other's shoulders and decided to get married.
Maybe vows were the only thing that'd keep us from self-destructing.
I texted Sophia the news. No reply.
Figured she was off grid, living her best life. Waited days before calling.
When her phone went straight to voicemail, my gut twisted.
Daniel and I drove back to that mountain.
The tent was gone. The hot spring looked like sewage. The clearing? Trashed like a crime scene.
On the drive back, the hospital called.
Sophia was an orphan. We'd been college roommates—seven years of friendship, and I was her emergency contact.
The doctor's tone said it all.
"She's in the ICU. It's... bad."