That evening, the crackling of the fireplace filled the silence between us."I still can't believe you're here," Elly said softly.I pulled my grandmother's old knitted blanket tighter around my shoulders and let out a long breath. The weight I'd been carrying since the funeral suddenly felt as though it could be shared. Throughout this ordeal, I had to be strong against the townspeople. But here, with Elly, I could finally let my guard down."I'm barely holding on, Elly," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I keep telling myself I'm fine, that I can do this, that I'm honoring her memory. But the truth is... I'm scared. She was all I had. And now she's gone, and I'm in this place where everyone looks at me as if I'm cursed, as if I carry death with me."Elly immediately moved closer, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. "You're not cursed, Eva. You're brave. You came back here even knowing what kind of reception you'd get. That takes real courage."I laughed bitterly, wiping at my eye
Last Updated : 2026-01-03 Read more