Chapter 36

• Lillian stepped out of the cab, her breath visible in the crisp Alaskan air. The familiar sight of her apartment building brought a bittersweet feeling of relief and sadness. She grabbed her suitcase and walked up to the entrance, her heart heavy with the weight of everything she had left behind.
• Unlocking the door, she stepped inside and took a deep breath. The apartment was just as she had left it—cozy, warm, and filled with memories of a simpler time. She placed her suitcase by the door and sank onto the couch, the silence around her feeling both comforting and oppressive.
• After a few moments, she reached for her phone and dialed a familiar number. It rang twice before a cheerful voice answered.