Chapter 19 : Goodbyes

*Grace*

The eerie silence of my room enveloped me as I awoke, the space next to me in bed empty and cold. I didn't see when David left the room, but the faint scent of his cologne still lingered in the air, reminding me of our passionate night together. As I lay there, my fingers brushing over the spot where he had been, I couldn't help but reminisce about our conversation last night.

I wondered if things were any different, could we have been happy together?

"Grace?" a familiar voice called out from beyond my bedroom door. "Are you awake?"

I reluctantly forced my eyes open.

"Yes, Lisa," I replied, recognizing her voice. "I'll be down in a few minutes."

"Okay, hun. We're all gathering for breakfast before Sarah leaves," she told me before her footsteps faded away.

I sighed, knowing that my time here was drawing to a close. As I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my footsteps seemed heavier than usual, burdened by the sense of impending departure. I dressed quickly, pulling