LUNE
Her mother, holding back tears, wrapped her in a long, tight embrace.
"Stay strong, Lune," her mother whispered, though the words barely reached her ears as her mind whirled with emotions.
"I love you," Lune managed to say, her voice soft and trembling.
She pulled away and faced Valerie, who had just returned from the wedding. Valerie’s eyes were filled with sadness, and without a word, she stepped forward to hug Lune. They held each other tightly as if they were sharing a silent farewell to the life they had once imagined for themselves.