pte

p within her. The apartment, which had always felt like a cozy sanctuary, now seemed almost oppressive, like the walls were closing in on her with every passing hour. Her small town life, her family, her

her spiraling thoughts. Valentine reached for it, her h

s Jan

ening the message, and her p

I will respect it. You have shown more than enough to prove your worth. But I also don't want you

careful not to push her too hard. Still, Valentine couldn't shake the sense of urgenc

she couldn't ignore the pull of curiosity that was beginning to tug at her, the curiosity to see what kind

haven't made a final decision yet

. But that was the truth. She wasn't ready to decide just yet, but there was something insi

ught things through. But this? This was different. This was something entirely new. And no matter h

ent so much time caring for spilled out of the building in their usual chaotic manner. She smiled at the sight

lighting up with excitement as

d, the person who made all the struggles worth it. But now, as she held him close,

e asked, trying to focus on the prese

he park!" Mason said brightl

mple things. It was all he needed to be happy. It was a reminder of everything sh

nd she felt a knot twist in her sto

I'm offering more than just a job. This is about building something. And I can p

her a life-one that was completely different from anything she had ever known. It was an opportunity to reinvent herself, to step int

her thoughts, and Valentine looked down at him, bl

softly, trying to push the u

brown eyes filled with curiosit

d, bending down to his level. "Jus

always eager to know what

f the decision she was facing? How could she put into words the turmoil inside her, the fear

," she said gently, her hand resting on his small

y, his eyes wide with the earnestness of youth. "I'm sure

e pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank y

er kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea. The night had fallen quiet, and the apartment felt colder than usual. S

And she was just o

quiet. This time, when she looked at the screen, it wasn't

w proud I am of everything you've accomplished. You've always been strong

s. Her mother had always been her pillar of strength, her source of wisdom. And though the choice she had to make felt

is words echoing in her mind. "Your future will

fering her a job; he was offering her a chance to rewrite

typed out a message, her fingers

de my de

his reply. And when it came, she read

waiting

ntine knew her life was