Page 84 of Mine To Hunt

Her grip tightens immediately. "Hey. Hey." Her tone turns soft but firm. "You’re not alone. I’m right here."

I nod, even though the unease doesn’t fade. It lingers like a shadow just outside the light.

"Did you tell Dr. Nathaniel everything?" She asks gently.

"Yeah. Saw him just the day before yesterday."

"Did it help?"

"For a minute." I give a small shrug. "He showed me few exercises. They calm me down when it spikes."

"And the rest of the time?"

I stare at the steam curling from my cup. "The fear just waits."

Her expression softens even more, like she’s trying to hold me together with nothing but concern. Then suddenly she smiles.

"Okay. New rule."

I glance up confused. "What rule?"

"We’re not letting fear steal today."

A weak huff escapes me. "That’s optimistic."

"Nope. Strategic." She leans back, eyes glinting. "Remember Al’s sculpture phase?"

I groan instantly. "No."

"He tried to sculpt your face."

Despite myself, a laugh slips out. The sound surprises me. "It looked like a potato."

"Alumpypotato." She corrects, delighted. "With eyes."

"He still insists it was abstract. Said one day it’ll sell for millions."

I shake my head, laughing. "If that thing ever makes money, I’m suing."

"There she is." Maddie says softly.

I blink. "What?"

"That laugh. I’ve missed it."

Something warm spreads through my chest, fragile but real.

"You’re stronger than you think, Ree. You’ll get through this. I promise."

By the time we step outside, the sky has turned a deep indigo. The world feels… lighter. Not safe. Not normal. But lighter.

"Thanks for today." I say quietly. "I needed this more than you know."

She pulls me into one last hug, warm and tight. "Anytime."

When she lets go, she points at me sternly. "Text me the second you get home."

I salute lazily. "Yes, ma’am."