Rain fell softly across Country X.
Gray clouds covered the sky while cold wind moved quietly through the cemetery trees.
Maureen Green stood silently in front of a white gravestone while holding fresh lilies against her chest.
Her mother’s grave.
The only place that still made her feel small.
Human.
Safe.
For several minutes, she said nothing.
The rain lightly dampened her black coat while memories slowly flooded her mind.
Her mother’s laughter.
Warm hands brushing through her hair.
Gentle reassurances during difficult nights.
Maureen swallowed quietly.
“I’m trying my best,” she whispered softly.
Pain tightened inside her chest immediately afterward.
Because the truth was—
She was tired.
Tired of running from Jordan.
Tired of pretending nothing between them mattered.
And
