Sabrina's POV
Hazel finally emerged from her room. I heard the wooden door slide open, and a few seconds later, her footsteps echoed down the hallway. I remained silent, imagining how she would look in the pastel dress she had chosen. Although I hadn't moved, there was a growing sense of excitement, mixed with curiosity about the journey we would soon embark on.I stood up and grabbed a small bag from the corner of the table. It contained simple items: my wallet, my phone, my house keys, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. I checked everything once more, making sure I hadn't left anything behind.When I was ready, I looked at myself in the mirror again. There wasn't anything particularly special about my appearance, but somehow I felt lighter. It was as if every layer of clothing and little detail I'd tidied up wasn't just about appearance, but also a way to reorganize myself.Hazel also looked simple in a pastel dress and a thin cardigan.WhenSabrina's POV I let her stand there for a few seconds, giving her space for that private moment. Then, when she finally turned back to me, I simply smiled and nodded.She returned the smile, this time calmer, more confident. And I knew that, although the journey ahead was long, today was a starting point she would always remember.The ride home from there felt lighter. Hazel even began to chatter about her ideas: what clothes she wanted to sell, what colors would work best for her boutique's interior, even down to small details like large mirrors and aesthetic chandeliers. I simply listened with a smile, caught up in her newfound enthusiasm.In my heart, I knew Hazel had a long journey ahead. There would be challenges, difficult moments, perhaps even small setbacks. But today, she had taken a step. And I was grateful to be part of her first step.The car drove slowly down the main road, leaving behind the row of shophouses we had just seen.
Sabrina's POV I approached slowly, standing beside her without saying a word. I was simply there, giving her space to take a deep breath, calm herself, and organize her thoughts. A moment later, she looked down, staring at the empty floor, then looked up again with a different look. There was a glimmer of light that hadn't been there before—the light of someone who had just realized they had a choice.In my heart, I knew that whatever Hazel decided, this was a crucial moment for her. It wasn't just about renting a shophouse, but about daring to open a new door in her life. I felt a sense of relief, and pride, to be by her side through this process.Hazel took a deep breath and smiled, though she still looked hesitant. "Okay... then, I'll try. But I promise I'll pay you back everything you owe me." I nodded, then turned to the landlord. “We agree to rent this place. Can we draw up a one-year lease?”The man looked pleased. He quickly took the cont
Sabrina's POVThe midday sun was getting hotter as Hazel and I continued our journey after taking a short break at a small cafe. Hazel looked excited, though there was also a hint of anxiety on her face. She kept staring out the car window, observing the buildings we passed, as if searching for a sign that one of them could be the start of her new life.“There seem to be a lot of empty shophouses around here,” Hazel said quietly, pointing to a quiet but clean street. I quickly turned the steering wheel and entered the street. Sure enough, there were several small shophouses with for-rent signs displayed in front of them.We got out and started walking together. I knew this wasn't just about finding a place, but also part of Hazel's journey to rediscover herself.“That one looks nice,” I said, pointing to a two-story shophouse with simple white paint. It was strategically located, close enough to the main road, but not too noisy. Hazel nodded, her
Sabrina's POV Hazel finally emerged from her room. I heard the wooden door slide open, and a few seconds later, her footsteps echoed down the hallway. I remained silent, imagining how she would look in the pastel dress she had chosen. Although I hadn't moved, there was a growing sense of excitement, mixed with curiosity about the journey we would soon embark on.I stood up and grabbed a small bag from the corner of the table. It contained simple items: my wallet, my phone, my house keys, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. I checked everything once more, making sure I hadn't left anything behind.When I was ready, I looked at myself in the mirror again. There wasn't anything particularly special about my appearance, but somehow I felt lighter. It was as if every layer of clothing and little detail I'd tidied up wasn't just about appearance, but also a way to reorganize myself.Hazel also looked simple in a pastel dress and a thin cardigan.When
Sabrina's POV Outside the window, the sun had already fully illuminated the courtyard. The leaves, still wet from the previous night's rain, glistened, as if coated with glass beads. The chirping of small birds could be heard in the distance, punctuating the silence that now filled the house. Without Charlie's laughter or Nicholas's footsteps, the atmosphere was quieter, but not empty. A kind of peace enveloped every corner of the room. I folded the dry napkins, neatly arranged them in the drawer, then glanced briefly into the living room. The sofa looked neat, the pillows still arranged as they had been the night before. Nothing had changed much, but I could feel the lingering warmth of the moment that had just passed. It felt like a trace remained, though invisible.The atmosphere was initially quiet, filled only with the sounds of our small activities. “Sabrina… I’ve been thinking about starting over. Maybe… opening a small boutique or cafe around here.”
Sabrina's POV I sat a little more relaxed, letting the spoon in my hand pause for a moment. In front of me, Charlie looked so excited about breakfast. His movements were lively, as if each mouthful was a new adventure. He glanced from side to side every now and then, as if making sure everyone was watching how eagerly he was eating. A warm feeling spread through my chest. There’s nothing more comforting than watching a child grow up in joy.Nicholas seemed focused on his plate, but his eyes occasionally glanced at Charlie. The small smile on her face was a sign of how much she enjoyed this simple moment. She rarely expressed much with words, but I knew she harbored a deep affection, especially for this family. The gesture of her hand adding a little egg to Charlie's plate or pouring juice into Hazel's glass was her own language of love, little things that often went unnoticed by others.Hazel sat quietly, her face calm yet attentive. She didn't move much, but