She nodded, offering a hand in return. “Yes, that’s me.”
Frank gave her a thoughtful look, then stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. “Walter told me a lot about you,” he said simply, before adding with a grin, “I think he was just waiting for you to get here.”
Olivia smiled faintly, realizing that Walter had been more than just the quiet observer in the family. He had known. He had always known.
Frank’s visit wasn’t long, but it was enough to start the process. Over the next few weeks, he helped Olivia fix up the workshop, repairing broken equipment and reinforcing the walls. Slowly but surely, the place began to take shape.
For the first time in years, Olivia felt like she was building something real.
It was two months later when Jason showed up. He stood outside the workshop, hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, his face a mixture of regret and anger.
“Olivia,” he called out, his voice softer than she expected. “We need to talk.”
Her heart skipped, but she kept her face neutral. “No,” she replied simply.
Jason’s eyes narrowed, the old defensiveness creeping in. “You don’t understand. I came here to fix things.”
She took a slow breath, walking toward him. “You don’t get to fix things now, Jason,” she said, her voice firm. “You didn’t fight for us when it mattered.”
He opened his mouth to argue, but she stopped him with one word.
“Goodbye.”
Jason stood there, silent, watching her as she turned away. It was a final moment, one where she realized just how far she had come.
She had left everything behind. And for the first time in a long while, she was finally free.
Read more by clicking the (NEXT »») button below!
