The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 81

Equipment preparations were also underway.

She bought a backup set of thermal underwear tailored to her frame, lightweight yet incredibly warm. A pair of professional snow goggles, sunscreen, a multi-tool knife, emergency flares, and energy bars... She checked off every item on the list, as if completing the final test of her life.

A month passed just like that.

Departure day was just around the corner.

On the day before she left, Sloane met up with Lexi.

They agreed to meet at a downtown mall. The moment Lexi saw her, her eyes grew misty.

"You've lost weight," Lexi noted, squeezing her arm. "And you're a bit tanned."

"From the training out in the sun." Sloane smiled, linking her arm with Lexi's. "Come on, help me shop for a few things."

They browsed an outdoor gear store. Sloane stood in front of the display, carefully comparing the materials of two pairs of waterproof gloves. Lexi stood beside her, watching her focused profile.

"Which one is better, this or that?" Sloane asked, holding up the two options.

"How should I know?" Lexi mumbled, her voice tight. "I'm not the one going to Antarctica."

Sloane glanced at her, remaining silent, but gave her elbow a gentle, comforting nudge. She knew Lexi was struggling to let her go.

She ended up buying the gloves, a spare pair of goggles, and several thick pairs of wool socks. At checkout, the young cashier casually asked, "Heading up to Alaska for the snow? You're well-prepared."

Sloane offered a polite smile. "A bit further than that."

Stepping out of the store, Lexi finally couldn't hold back. She grabbed Sloane's hand. "Sloane, are you absolutely sure about this?"

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