Chapter FiftySix

The rhythmic pounding of hammers and the buzz of drills filled the gallery space, a cacophony of new beginnings.

I stood in the middle of it all, hands on my hips, surveying the progress with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.

The walls, once bare and lifeless, now sported a fresh coat of white, a blank canvas ready to house the dreams I’d nurtured for so long.

Annie walked in carrying two steaming cups of coffee, her face glowing with excitement. She handed me one and took a seat on the dusty counter we’d been using as a makeshift desk.

“This place is starting to look like the real deal,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “You’ve got an eye for this, Sam.”

I smiled, the compliment warming me more than the coffee. “It’s finally happening,” I murmured, more to myself than to her. “I’m really doing it.”

“And I couldn’t be prouder,” Annie said, her eyes soft with genuine affection. “You’ve come a long way.”

We shared a moment of silence, the noise of construction work around us so