Several days had passed since the discussion with Beatrice, and although the hurt remained, there was an aspect of it that had changed. I wasn't as preoccupied with it. Perhaps I was still grieving, perhaps still in pain, but I began to accept what Beatrice had claimed—that I was stronger than the situation that had shattered me. It was a difficult truth to accept, but I had changed significantly since the betrayal. And that's what I aimed to concentrate on—what I could manage.
One afternoon, I chose to go outside for a change. I hadn’t spent much time outside the apartment in the past few weeks. I couldn't bear the glances, the murmurs, the writings. However, today, I was resolved to face the world once more, even if only for a couple of hours. I chose a basic outfit, opting for a casua
