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Chapter 8: First Step Forward

Author: Nailynn
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-01 09:33:08
SOFIE

Mrs. Williams stepped forward with calm precision. Her hands moved gently as she lifted the soaked wedding dress from my shoulders. The fabric slipped to the floor with a quiet, heavy thud, too wet to hold its shape.

“Would you like it dry-cleaned?” she asked. Her voice was gentle, professional, but soft enough to feel like kindness.

A tremor passed through me. I shook my head.

I didn’t want it cleaned. I didn’t want it saved. The idea of restoring it felt like pretending the future I lost was still possible.

Like trying to hold on to something that had already decided I wasn’t enough.

She didn’t ask anything else. Just gave a small nod and crossed to the bathroom. A moment later, water rushed from the tap, steam already rising through the doorway. The quiet sound of it filled the room, steady and comforting.

I pulled in a breath. First step. Just take the first step.

The water hit my skin hot and sharp. For a second, it was too much. Then the heat started to work, unwinding the
Nailynn

Thank you for reading! Out of all the stories calling your name, you followed mine. Thanks for giving it a chance. This may be fiction, but your presence is very real to me. Please comment and share. Your support helps, and your words do more than brighten my day; they remind me why I write.

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