35

JASMINE

I sat still, looking at her without saying a word. Her eyes revealed a mix of fear and dread, which alarmed me. It was the first time since we met that I saw her in such a state. She seemed scared, uncertain, and exhausted. It felt like she was a different person standing in front of me. I had been reflecting on how she brought a fresh sense of hope into my life, and now that hope was flickering weakly before my eyes.

Until now, she had been the pillar I relied on and drew strength from. Her resilience inspired me to keep trying. But now, it seemed like that dream was crumbling away, just like Eleanor herself.

What was I thinking, depending solely on her to keep us going? She was just like me, facing the same fate and suffering, maybe even worse. This wasn't typical of me. What happened to my rule of not trusting anyone, let alone placing my hope in them?

"She's different. She's not like the others who betrayed you. She's genuine, and you know it. Now isn't the time to questio