Chapter Three

The morning air was crisp as I stepped out of the motel, taking in the peaceful charm of Willowridge. The town was already awake, the scent of fresh bread wafting from the bakery, mixing with the rich aroma of coffee drifting from the diner. The streets weren’t crowded, but people moved about, greeting each other with warm smiles and easy conversation. It was a stark contrast to the life I had left behind.

I walked leisurely down the main street, peering into the quaint little shops. A bookstore with a weathered wooden sign caught my attention, and I made a mental note to stop by later. A few doors down, a flower shop displayed vibrant bouquets in the window, adding splashes of color to the street. Everything about this town felt welcoming, almost as if it had been waiting for me to arrive.

Then, my phone buzzed.

I ignored it at first, unwilling to let anything disrupt the small moment of peace I had found. But then it buzzed again. And again. Reluctantly, I pulled it from my pocket and glanced at the screen.

Missed calls. Texts. All from my family.

My stomach clenched as I scrolled through the messages.

Where the hell are you?

You’ve made your point, now come home.

You’re being selfish. You know he’s worried.

Stop acting like a child and answer your phone.

The words sent a cold chill through me. They didn’t care about what I had been through. They didn’t care about how much pain I had endured. All they cared about was keeping up appearances, making sure I played the role I was expected to.

A fresh message came through, the words sharp and cruel.

You’re a disgrace. You have no idea how much trouble you’ve caused.

My hands trembled as I stared at the screen. They weren’t worried about me. They were angry that I had finally taken control of my own life.

A deep breath filled my lungs, steadying the storm raging inside me. Then, with a certainty I hadn’t felt in a long time, I powered off my phone and shoved it back into my pocket.

I wasn’t going back.

Willowridge was going to be my home.

Turning on my heel, I walked with purpose, my mind already forming a plan. I needed to find a place to stay—something more permanent than a motel. I would get a job, build a life for myself, and never look back.

For the first time in years, I felt free.

I continued wandering through the town, my eyes scanning the buildings for any "For Rent" signs or job postings. There was a small real estate office tucked between the bookstore and a bakery. I hesitated before stepping inside.

A bell chimed overhead as I entered. A middle-aged woman with salt-and-pepper hair looked up from her desk and smiled warmly. "Good morning! Looking for a new place?"

I nodded. "Something small. Affordable."

She gestured for me to sit down across from her desk. "We have a few rentals available. Are you looking for a short-term stay or something more permanent?"

Permanent. The word settled in my chest like an anchor. "Something long-term," I said firmly.

She nodded, flipping through a few files. "I think we can find something that suits you. Let me just check our listings. In the meantime, have you thought about work?"

I shook my head. "I was planning to start looking today."

She smiled. "Well, this town always has opportunities if you know where to look. The diner, the bakery, even the bookstore sometimes hires extra hands. Small towns take care of their own."

A warmth spread through me at her words. Small towns take care of their own. I wanted to be a part of that.

I left the office with a few leads and a renewed sense of determination. No more running. No more looking over my shoulder. Willowridge was going to be my home, and I was ready to fight for the life I deserved.