“I thought so too,” Bella whispered, her voice trembling with something between pain and relief.
It felt like a crack had finally split open, letting out everything she’d been holding inside for far too long. Nicoletta rose silently and stepped toward the window, giving her friend the space she needed. She wasn’t listening on purpose, but she felt every emotion as if they were vibrating inside her own chest.
Only a few minutes passed, but for Bella it was an eternity. When she finally ended the call, her hands were shaking, her eyes shimmering with tears.
“Thank you,” she breathed, unable to say anything else.
Nicoletta moved closer and wrapped her arms around her.
“It’s okay. You’re stronger than you think. Sometimes all it takes is finally saying ‘yes’… or ‘goodbye.’”
They stood qu
