's vi

h, and my head was pounding. I rubbed my temples, tryi

ack - the stranger, the kiss, the int

ranger's resemblance to him, the fami

gustus again? Had I let my emotions cloud my judgment, making

ded a

ion fueling my footsteps. I had to know t

g with anger and uncertainty. I poun

ned shut, and ther

er this time, but sti

t it went straight to v

rled inside me. He lied to me

ment, I realized I couldn't let him dicta

came to mind. Maybe it was time to

xcitement of a new chapter in my life. A

tor's office, feeling a sense of

ing my hand. "I've given it some thought

arm smile. "Alright, Kelly. They wi

e of excitement and purpose. This was a new chapter in my l

nd sense of direction, I left the of

rting through my belongings and decid

box, I felt a mix of emotions. Excitement for the new chapter a

taking in the memories and e

lt a sense of anticipation. I was ready to embark on this

h, of creating a new life fo

pty apartment. "Hey, girl, I heard you're leav

t a lump form in my throat.

rned curious. "So, what happened with th

share. "We...talked," I said v

brow. "Complicated?

too much. "Let's just say I'm lo

daries. "I'm going to miss you,

n each other's lives, I felt a deep s

d times, laughed toget

e with tears in her eyes. "Promise me you won't

Jess. You'll always be my friend

I felt a sense of peace knowing our bond

ed to the airport, feeling a mix of e

ry pass by. The city gave way to suburbs, and eventuall

t a thrill of excitement. What would my new life be

, and I took a deep breath, read

f relief wash over me. The flight had been s

way to the arrivals area, where I spott

y," I said, a

el, your colleague from the hospital. I'm here

the city streets, taking in the

me get settled in, showing me around the neigh

ur help," I said, feeling

Kelly. We're glad to have you here.

ss and modern amenities. Everything I needed was right here, f

right decision in taking this new job. This apartment was goin

ood out - she'd gone out of

," she said as we chatted. "If you ever ne

in this new city. Having a friendly

a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The past few

d get accustomed to my new surroundings. Tomorrow,

f calm wash over me. This was my new beginning