Gabriella left

****

The next day dawned with a sense of anticipation in the air, the sun casting a golden glow upon the world. Gabriella moved through the rooms of Simon's house, her footsteps echoing the weight of her decisions. She was in the process of packing her belongings, each item a reminder of the life she had built within these walls.

As she gathered her things, a familiar figure emerged from the corner of her eye. Emily, Simon's mother, stepped into the hallway with a playful smile on her lips.

"Where on earth do you think you're going, Miss?" Emily's voice carried a teasing tone, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Gabriella paused in her packing, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm... somewhere safe where I feel wanted, I guess," she replied, a mixture of honesty and vulnerability in her voice.

Emily's expression softened, her concern evident. "Hey," she said gently, stepping closer to Gabriella. "Is there something happening that you and my son are not sharing?" Her eyes held a depth