108

Isabella

He led me through the expansive grounds until we settled in what was the most interesting garden spot I had ever seen as he spoke some more.

There were rocks upon rocks with slabs on top of them serving as tables and chairs. Paula already sat on one of them, staring at a cup of tea. I took a seat beside her, wondering how the rocks were suddenly so comfortable.

"Thank you. Let's continue some other time," I told Briggs, who smiled, tipped his glasses, and walked off.

"This place is amazing, right?" Paula asked, light twinkling in her eyes.

"Pretty much," I said as I picked up a cup of tea and began to stir.

"Worried about him again?" she asked, hitting the nail on the head.

"I'm scared, worried, tired. I'm all of them. But in some way, I feel like I can finally breathe and relax. All the running we did the past few weeks, all the injuries the past few months... It's been so hectic, and I feel like I need to spend the next few days sleeping."

Paula nodded in response and took