Chapter 74

“I’m sure Goerge will give you nothing but his support. He loves you,” she says.

“And I love him, too,” I say.

“And I love you both,” Bekah l says, causing me to giggle.

“Now, that’s more like it. Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” she says. Her words feel like a soothing balm to my aching heart. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this after all

“What doyou mean you want to leave Sausalito?” Aunt Maryann asks as she looks at me with concern. After three days of thinking about what to do with my life, I feel leaving is the best option.

“Natalia , dear, you look troubled. Is something bothering you?” Aunt Mary Ann’s voice is gentle, the lines of worry etched on her face.

I take a deep breath, struggling to find the words to express my inner turmoil.

“Leaving? But, why, my dear?”

Aunt Mary Ann’s distress is evident in her eyes.

Tears well up in my own eyes as I try to gather my thoughts.

“Please, talk to me. I’ve noticed your recent struggles. Your Uncle mentioned how you’ve been isolating