Chapter 202

• I take a walk in the gardens and gaze at the view of the distant shoreline visible from the Carrero home. It’s peaceful and sunny despite the late season. The view is so beautiful and calming. I’m surprised to hear footsteps lightly coming up behind me and turn in curiosity; a smile breaks across my face as I see Sophie start running toward me at full pelt with a massive grin on her face. Turning with complete joy, I grin back and am soon met with the crushing hug of an overexcited teenager.
• “Oh, my God, it’s so good to see you again,” she gushes, looking every bit the pampered and tanned socialite, a far cry from the skinny tomboy in oversized clothes of weeks ago. My heart swells at the sight of her.
• “You look so healthy and happy.” I hold back the emotions that threaten inside of me, hugging her back with equal force, tears brimming in my eyes; she looks so good, it’s painful. Happiness is bursting out of me in every direction. Her tawny hair is highlighted and silky around a plumper face, deliciously tanned, and sporting hints of make-up.