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New Zealand

Author: Siwa Rose
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-26 06:11:42

Damien Shaw

As we pull out of the parking lot, I glance over at Imogene. She’s sitting stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands resting in her lap, fingers twisting a small strand of hair. She’s trying to hide it, but I know her well enough to see the tension in her shoulders. The way her jaw tightens every few seconds. I place a hand on her knee and give it a gentle squeeze.

“Lily’s going to be fine, you know,” I say. “Breonna knows what she’s doing. You trust her, right?”

“It’s not about trusting Breonna. I do. It’s just...I’ve never been away from her for this long.”

I nod, understanding her hesitation. I get it. I really do. But we need this. She needs this. We need time for ourselves after the roller coaster of dramas we’ve been through.

“I know it’s hard, but it’s only a week. And we’ll call, FaceTime—hell, Breonna will probably send you a picture of Lily every five minutes if you ask her to.”

Imogene smiles faintly.

“She’ll be okay,” I repeat, my thumb rubbing soft circl
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