The morning fog rolled low across the driveway of the estate, The next day had arrived with an undercurrent of exhausting finality. It was time for the departure of Alex, whose presence had become a strange anchor for Grace during their shared nightmare.
In the grand foyer, Grace stood wrapped in a thick knit sweater, her eyes bright with a mixture of immense gratitude and lingering sorrow as she began bidding Alex goodbye. She pulled the woman into a tight, lingering embrace, her fingers gripping the fabric of Alex's jacket. "I don't even have the words to thank you," Grace whispered, her voice cracking slightly with emotion. "You kept me alive in that room, Alex. Please promise me you’ll stay in touch."
Alex held her back just as tightly, her gaze softening as she looked at the younger
