THE HEART I DIDN'T SEE

THE RETURN

Scene: The early morning light filters through the blinds of Cristin's childhood home, illuminating a scene of quiet stillness. Cristin stands in the hallway, a suitcase by her side, her gaze sweeping across the familiar surroundings.

Cristin: (a soft sigh escaping her lips, a wave of nostalgia washing over her) I'm home.

Cristin: (her eyes tracing the worn wallpaper, the faded family portraits, the chipped paint on the banister)

Cristin: (a bittersweet smile gracing her lips, a mix of joy and melancholy swirling within her)

Cristin: (her thoughts drifting back to the past five years, the whirlwind of experiences, the lessons learned, the person she's become)

Cristin: (her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, her mind flashing to Derek and Raven)

Cristin: (her fingers ghosting over the worn leather of her suitcase, a sense of determination taking hold)

Cristin: (quietly opening the door to her old bedroom, her gaze sweeping across the familiar space)

Cristin: (a sense of peace settling over her as she unpacks her suitcase, a sense of belonging returning)

**Later that afternoon, Cristin sits at the kitchen table, a cup of tea warming her hands. She pulls out her phone, the screen displaying a photo of her younger self, a carefree smile lighting up her face. **

Cristin: (a soft chuckle escaping her lips, a wave of memories flooding back)

Cristin: (her fingers hovering over the screen, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and hesitation)

Cristin: (her gaze flickering between the photo and the phone screen, a sense of uncertainty washing over her)

Cristin: (a sigh escaping her lips, her mind racing with thoughts of Raven, of Derek, of the life she left behind)

Cristin: (a decision forming in her mind, a sense of determination replacing her hesitation)

Cristin: (placing the phone on the table, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation)

Cristin: (her thoughts turning to the future, to the new chapter that awaits)