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67. Of Storms and Scars

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-12 23:41:59

Of Storms and Scars

RHEA'S POV

I had rehearsed this scene time and again in my head. I had it all in my head. Everything I would say to them, but what I didn't get ready for was the surge of emotion that would overwhelm me. Tears welled up in my eyes as Pa Dennis blinked like he had seen a ghost. Ma Lisa was already on her feet.

“Come here,” Ma Lisa said, her voice breaking. Her arms were wide open and her lips quivered as she bit back tears.

I didn't even think twice. I crossed the room in two strides. "Ma Lisa," I cried and fell into her embrace like it was the last thing I was ever going to do.

“Oh, baby,” Ma Lisa whispered, holding me so tightly I felt like I might dissolve into the hug. “Look at you. Look at you." She patted my back. Then, she pulled back to take me in. “You are all grown up. You look beautiful, Rhea. You’ve always been beautiful.”

I laughed, but there were tears in my voice. “You look the same.”

“Still loud?” Ma Lisa said, stepping back to look me over. “Still s
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