Chapter 17

From Arina’s POV

The drive into town with Aella and Thiago was unsettling, especially since I didn't know them. While they tried to include me in the conversation, I wasn't sure what to say.

The only thing I could do was gaze out the window and take in the surroundings. All the autumn trees displayed beautiful burnt orange, red, and yellow leaves, like postcard pictures.

As I stared out the window at the big blue sky, I thought of the times when Father and I would go to the park after training with our ice cream in hand, and we would sit under the vast Acacia trees staring at the sky while talking about his trips to other cities, states, or countries.

Among his favorite places were the French Polynesian islands. I remember he talked about a small island known as Papiete with its beautiful blue skies and crystal-clear waters.

“One day, I will take you there, and you will fall in love with it,” my father would say. A tear rolled down my cheek as I remembered his story.

Our car sudd