The next few weeks rush by in a whirlwind of changes. Aislinn and I diligently sift through our belongings, boxing up non-essentials, and stashing them in the garage for our final moving day. Olivia expertly manages the intricacies of selling our home and securing the mansion in Lakeview Hollow.

The proposal for purchasing the mansion proves to be an arduous task. We assumed its abandonment meant the town now held responsibility, but Olivia, with her real estate acumen, unravels the mystery. It turns out the property belongs to a long-forgotten family trust. Armed with this information, she starts discussions on our bid.

Like a dark storm cloud, doubt hovers in our minds for a while. Can we truly call the mansion our own? Olivia, ever up for a challenge, urges us to press on. The process drags on, but eventually, success graces our endeavours.

In outlining the exhaustive work required to make the mansion habitable, Olivia emerges victorious in negotiations with the trustee. The realisation dawns that the property, now weathered and neglected, holds little value. We eventually settle on a nominal figure, though higher than Olivia or I had expected. I can fund the purchase, but it comes with a condition-I must secure a source of income within the first twelve months following the move.

Olivia's magic extends to the sale of our city home.

Following her recommendations, we attract three bidders, pushing the sale price higher. Signing the contract for the highest bid brings a wave of relief-it buys me more time to make things work in Lakeview Hollow.

Aislinn withdraws from her school friends, seeking solace in video chats with Ben and Ellie. It's a coping mechanism, a shield against the impending move. Worry and anxiety gnaw at me, causing me to question our decisions. Yet, with both contracts signed, there's no room for second-guessing.

Regular phone conversations with Jake provide a constant source of support. His unwavering presence becomes incredibly valuable, a reassuring anchor amid my rising anxiety.

Parked outside Dr. Mitchell's office, anxiety courses through me. I sit in the car, gathering the courage to step inside. Eventually, I do. The door chimes, signalling my arrival to the young woman behind the reception counter. She greets me, takes my name, and directs me to a seat. Dr. Mitchell emerges from her office, concluding her previous appointment. The woman, marginally older than me, clutches a crumpled tissue in her left hand, wiping at her nose with red-rimmed eyes. Avoiding this appointment was, in part, to sidestep such an emotional aftermath. I've had positive sessions with Dr. Mitchell before but witnessing someone leave in this state leaves me feeling uneasy, almost embarrassed. I know I shouldn't; seeking help is normal, yet the feeling stays.

As the woman approaches the reception desk, Dr. Mitchell glances my way, offering a gracious smile.

She signals for me to join her in her office.

We settle into our respective seats-hers a plush, swivelling office chair that exudes comfort and expense, mine a portion of a deep-seated leather couch. Dr. Mitchell's voice maintains a calm cadence, free of judgment, though I can't shake the sense of being under scrutiny.

"Audrey," she says, studying me. "It's been some time since we've met." Another pause. "How have you been?"

My head hangs low, hands fumbling in my lap. I speak in hushed tones, as if reluctantly summoned to the principal's office. "A lot's been happening."

Dr. Mitchell leans back in her chair, a neutral expression on her face as she regards me. "Let's delve into the various aspects of your life, Audrey. How are things between you and Aislinn?"

I shift uncomfortably, hesitant but willing to open up. "It's better than the last appointment. We went on a weekend away a couple of months ago. That seemed to help us bond. Since then, we've been talking more and spending more time together. Especially now, we've been discussing the move to Lakeview Hollow. We really talked a lot before deciding to move. She's on board with it. But I can't shake off this feeling that she's using it as an escape from everything-school, friends, maybe even me."

Dr. Mitchell nods, her pen poised over the notepad. "Change can be a powerful motivator, Audrey. For both growth and escape. Keep an open line of communication and assure her you're there for her no matter what. It sounds like you're on the right path."

Our conversation steers toward Jake, and I feel a flush of warmth in my cheeks. "Things with Jake... they're good. Maybe too good," I admit, my voice trailing off. "I'm scared, Dr. Mitchell. Scared that I'll mess it up, that it's moving too fast."

She leans forward, her gaze intent. "What is it specifically that worries you?"

I anxiously glance down at my hands, my fingers twisting. "We haven't, you know... taken that step. Part of me is terrified of it. Terrified of opening myself up like that again. What if I ruin everything?"

Dr. Mitchell listens intently, offering a reassuring nod. "It's understandable to have anxieties about intimacy, Audrey. It's a vulnerable space. Take your time, communicate with Jake about your concerns. If he truly cares for you, he'll understand."

I take a deep breath and continue, "But what if I'm not ready? What if I can't give him what he needs?"

Dr. Mitchell nods. "It's crucial to be honest with him about your readiness. Healthy relationships are built on open communication and understanding. If he cares for you, he'll respect your pace."

The conversation takes a darker turn as we discuss the finalization of the divorce. I clench my fists, resentment bubbling up. "He didn't fight for Aislinn. Not that I expected him to, after everything. But it still hurts. And the history of domestic violence... the memories, they never go away entirely, you know? Sometimes I'm just sitting there enjoying a coffee, or talking to a friend, and something will just flash back to a moment, and all the feelings that go with it. It's like a stain on my soul that won't fade. It's exhausting."

Dr. Mitchell's expression softens. "Healing takes time, Audrey. Acknowledging the pain is the first step. Aislinn has you, someone who fought for her. Focus on the positive changes, the new beginnings."

I nod, recognizing her words. "And Lakeview Hollow? It's an enormous step. I worry about uprooting Aislinn, about leaving the familiarity of the city, and what it means for our relationship."

"Change is a process," Dr. Mitchell says. "It's natural to feel a little anxious. Maintain open communication with Aislinn. Assure her that her feelings are valid and listen to her concerns."

As our session nears its end, Dr. Mitchell shifts her focus. "Audrey, you've made tremendous progress over this past year, but healing is ongoing. Continue your self-reflection, practice self-love. Take care of your emotional and physical well-being. You're on the right path, but it's crucial to stay mindful and compassionate toward yourself. I'm confident that with time, you will manage those feelings and have a fulfilling life, Audrey."

I take a deep breath, grateful for her guidance. As she sees me from her office, she relays one last piece of information. "Audrey, I am only a phone call away if you need me."