Chapter 103

• Nicole stepped down from the stairs, her eyes fixed on the floor as she made her way to the front door. Her dad, sister, and Lucas were all standing in the living room, watching her with a mix of sadness and understanding.
• Ashley walked towards her, concern etched on her face. "Nicole, do you really want to go?" she asked, her voice soft.
• Nicole nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I need to go, Ash," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Now that Mom is gone, this house just feels empty. I'm not used to being here without her. I need to get out of here and start fresh somewhere else."