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“We usually have group dinners on Friday in the main kitchen.” Another woman informs me. I haven’t learned her name yet. “You’re more than welcome to join us next week.”
“I’d love to.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so widely.
Nora takes a seat to my left, and watching her trying to sit on the picnic bench is almost comical.
“We sure are going to miss you, Nora.” Mia wraps an arm around Nora’s shoulders before holding a hand toward me in apology. “No offense.”
I shake my head. I get it. I missed her too. “None taken.”
“Don’t worry, ladies,” Nora says confidently, scooping a spoon of sugar into her coffee. “You are in expert hands. Claire is young. She’s better at this, and she will fight for you all. We all knew I was only filling in.”
For me.
I’m not sure whether to be overwhelmed that she waited for me to agree or insulted because she knew things wouldn’t work out with Caleb.
I’ll take the compliment.
Tears well in my eyes, but I beat them away before they fall.
The hours pass and the sun begins to set behind the trees. They introduced me to the children, who insisted I play on the swings. I happily obliged.
Some teenagers even lifted their heads from their phones to say hello. Although, I think one or two grunted at me.
The fairy lights hanging from the trees switch on as the darkness creeps in, illuminating the garden like lightning bugs.
It’s beautiful.
Effort and love were poured into this place. It’s seeping from every corner.
Alex did an amazing job on the build, but whoever designed the interior did so with care.
“We better go.” Nora presses her hand in mine as I stand in the doorway, still mesmerized. “We should let them settle in for the evening.”
I nod, take a deep breath, and feel a real smile stretch on my cheeks.
I feel…full.
And it has nothing to do with the copious amounts of food the women offered me all day.
We didn’t speak of their pasts. I’m sure I will hear their stories.
I want to.
But today wasn’t about that. I was privileged enough to see a glimpse of these women without the whispers of what happened to them.
Each one has strength beyond what most people can imagine, envious courage, and souls marked by a past.
A past not too dissimilar to my own.
“I can do this,” I whisper mostly to myself.
She’s sure when she grips my hand tighter, and says, “Well, of course you can, dear.”
Chapter Seven
I’m late.
I’m exactly what Nora told me not to be.
