CHAPTER 141

The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light that did little to lift the weight on my shoulders. As I walked along the main road after my frustrating encounter with Regina at the café, the anger and frustration still simmered beneath my skin. I needed to talk to someone who would understand, someone who could help me make sense of this mess. Without thinking twice, I pulled out my phone and dialed Aunt Lou’s number.

“Margarette, is everything alright?” Aunt Lou’s voice was laced with concern the moment she answered.

I hesitated, not wanting to worry her, but I couldn’t keep it all bottled up anymore. “Aunt Lou, is it okay if I drop by your clinic? I need to talk.”

“Of course, dear. I’m finishing up with my last patient now. Come over, I’ll be here.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, relief washing over me. I hung up and flagged down a taxi, my mind already racing ahead to the conversation I knew I had to have.

The ride to Aunt Lou’s clinic felt longer than usual, th