Chapter 99

• The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop as she imagined the life she had always dreamed of. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, jolting her from her reverie. A wave of panic washed over her—who could it be?
• Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked toward the door, curiosity piquing her interest. She opened it slowly, revealing a woman in her fifties with warm, friendly eyes and a welcoming smile. The woman’s hair was a soft gray and neatly styled, and she wore a simple floral dress that added to her approachable demeanor.
• “Hello there!” the woman said cheerfully. “I saw you and your friends moving in and thought I’d come by to introduce myself. I’m Clara, the owner of the café just down the street.”