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Chapter 7: Memories in Focus

Riley’s POV

I parked my beaten-down car in the lot outside the studio, killing the engine with a sigh of relief. The sun had risen fully now, the sky painted in soft shades of gold and blue. It was one of those perfect mornings—too perfect for the dark thoughts still lingering at the edge of my mind.

“Focus, Riley,” I muttered as I grabbed my camera bag and stepped out, the early city hum filling the air. Work was my escape, the only thing that made sense when nothing else did.

The studio was quiet when I walked in, the faint smell of coffee and printer ink lingering in the air. I waved to Marcy, the front desk assistant, who gave me her usual bright smile.

“Morning, Riley! Big day ahead?”

“Just another day in paradise,” I replied, forcing a smirk.

“Don’t forget there’s coffee in the break room,” she added with a wink. “You look like you need it.”

I nodded in thanks and headed to my small workspace in the back. The room was cozy, cluttered with camera lens