Thousands of miles away, in a foreign land.

Claire and her parents settled down in a quiet Rural Township.

There was none of New York City’s hustle and bustle here. No cutthroat business dealings, no Vincent, no Natalie, none of the suffocating painful memories.

Only green hills, clear streams, singing birds, warm locals and a pace of life that felt perfectly gentle.

She had stayed here briefly three years ago, right after she lost Lily.

Losing her daughter had left her completely shattered back then. She cried every single day, trapped in despair. The gentle hills, streams and breezes here slowly healed her wounded soul.

Life had come full circle. After wandering through countless hardships, she had returned to the place that had healed her.

This time, her parents were right beside her.

Her father had been cleared of the Narcotics Trafficking Felony charges. His spirits lifted greatly. He strolled through the town garden each morning, chatting and laughing with the elderly townsfolk, grinning like he hadn’t in years.

Her mother’s health also improved day by day. She loved planting flowers in the yard and raising small cats, living a relaxed and contented life.

Claire finally cast off every burden. She no longer had to watch others’ moods, force herself to be strong, worry about money or endure agonizing pain.

She woke up naturally each morning. When she opened the window, she saw wildflowers covering the hills and breathed in the fresh scent of plants.

During the day, she wandered along the town’s stone paths, watching the flowing streams, blue skies and glowing sunsets.

She walked through farmlands and watched locals work, soaking in simple, genuine joy. She visited the town café, ordered a warm vanilla latte and read books for hours on end. She hiked in the nearby woods, listening to rustling leaves and cheerful birdsong.

Thoughts of Lily crossed her mind now and then. A faint ache lingered in her chest, but the overwhelming agony was gone, replaced by tender remembrance.

She knew Lily watched over her from above, hoping she would live happily.

Everything here moved at a soothing, perfect pace.

Her long-frozen heart thawed little by little. Her scarred soul healed. The heavy pain faded little by little as days went by.

She faced her past calmly at last, let go of everything and embraced her brand new life.

Hatred, anger and longing were all gone. Only peace and ease remained.

Warm sunlight fell across her face. Claire lifted the corners of her mouth and smiled sincerely, the first pure smile she’d shared in three years.

For the rest of her days, she only wanted to stay with her parents, live a quiet life, stay out of trouble and leave the past behind.

Days in the small town stayed calm and pleasant. Claire blended into local life, growing softer and more relaxed.

She wandered the town market as usual one day, picking fresh fruits and vegetables. Locals greeted her warmly.

The shop owner of the corner art gallery called out to her with a smile as she passed by.

“Claire, come take a look. Jack’s here painting again. He’s come back every few months for three years. He asks everyone about a girl who wears an off-white linen dress. He says he’s been waiting for her.”

Claire froze for a moment.

Jack.

The painter she had met here while recovering three years ago.