Chapter 69: Let It Go

### FLASHBACK ###

High school was a time of heightened emotions for Riley. The absence of a father figure in her life became a gaping void only magnified by the sight of her friends with their dads. Yet, Renee, her mother, steadfastly refused to broach the subject of Riley's father for reasons unknown.

As the school day came to an end, Riley's footsteps echoed through the empty hallways. She hurried home, her heart heavy with unspoken questions. The familiar scent of her mother's cooking greeted her as she entered the kitchen.

"Good afternoon, Riley. How was your new school?" Renee asked.

Yes, a new school. This was a result of their nomadic lifestyle in the past years, constantly moving from one city to another. But now, her mother had secured a stable job in Halliport, and Renee believed it was time to settle down.

"School was great, Mom," Riley said. "I met new friends."

"Wonderful. Let's have dinner now because, as you know, work starts early for your mom," Renee said while set