[PEARL]
I fixed a meeting with Jeff at the cozy café downtown. I felt the weight of my decision to go to Seattle pressing heavily on me. I needed someone to talk to, someone who might understand. Jeff’s eyes were filled with concern as he watched me fidget with my coffee cup, my mind swirling with anxiety.
“What’s going on, Pearl? You’ve been distant lately,” Jeff asked, leaning forward, his voice gentle yet probing.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands. “Jeff, I need to go to Seattle. But I can’t bring myself to go alone.”
Jeff’s brow furrowed, his concern deepening. “Why, Pearl? What’s holding you back?”
I swallowed hard, the memories flooding back. “Seven years ago, I left Seattle to escape a nightmare.”
Jeff’s eyes widened, curiosity mingling with worry. “Wha
