38

I attempted to force a smile despite the pity evident in Almira and Rachelle as they awaited our arrival. They hugged me, encouraging me not to cry, but my tears flowed uncontrollably. I felt exceptionally exposed when it came to him.

Heather promptly joined Myrrh to engage in a play.

"Please stay in the room, alright?" Almira instructed. She didn't want her child to go outside and be around other people. Mira, too, preferred not to interact with or be observed by others. They were in hiding, which is why their presence caught me off guard.

I wouldn't have cried if they hadn't insisted on going over the events again. I was frustrated with the repetitive nature of the story, including the details of how we became a couple. They laughed when I expressed my annoyance. I knew they did it deliberately, but I’m not sure for what reason.

I scowled, crossing my arms. "Let's not discuss him! It's getting on my nerves!"

They burst into laughter. "That's one of the steps to move on—refusing