Chapter 12

• Satisfied that she looked presentable, Lucy grabbed her bag and stepped out into the crisp afternoon air. The walk to the grocery store was a welcome change from the stale air of her apartment. The sun warmed her skin, and for a brief moment, she felt a sense of peace.
• As she approached the store, the familiar clang of the doorbell greeted her. The small, local grocery store was a staple in the neighborhood, a place where everyone knew each other by name. Lucy liked the sense of community it offered, even if it was just a brief exchange with the cashier or a nod from a fellow shopper.
• She grabbed a basket and began to weave through the aisles, picking up the essentials: bread, milk, some fresh vegetables, and a few treats to help keep her spirits up. As she reached the counter to pay, the store owner, Mr. Thompson, gave her a warm smile.