PTE

RY’

ot when he was my oldest friend and a business associate I couldn't say no to. But the thought of what was to come filled me wit

she didn't hesitate to point out my less-than-stellar appearance. "You look like shit," she quipped. That was Lynda for y

hand through my hair.

of curiosity. "And why is that? Is yo

t of my worries right now." I muttered, this

"You're always so serious

my concerns pressing down on m

ing her playfulness. "Okay, spill

to put my feelings into wor

Sophia once but never had I gone into actual det

ng with every passing sec

I fail to see how that's a problem. She's just his da

he complexities of the situation. "It's not

me the normal suspicious look and I knew I needed to gi

within me. "We have a history, a long one. She's not just

o she's a kid that you have known si

with a sense of resignation. "Because it's no

lization. "Oh, I see. And y

crush. But now that she's coming here, it's like the beginning of a disaster I've been avoiding for year

in her eyes. "Ah, I get it now. You're worried abou

"Exactly. She's my best friend's daughter, for crying ou

nion in the unpredictable world of business. Our friendship had grown as she supported my career, and her unwavering kindness had firmly sealed our bond. She had been f

why is this such a big deal? Sophia is just coming to stay with

it's not just about her staying with me. It's about what comes after. College. L

r staying with you through college a bad thing?" I knew this i

ust anyone. She's the daughter of my best friend, Collins. She's practically fa

ying at her lips. "Henry, isn't that a g

ame with its own set of challenges. "Lynda, you don't

big deal. Maybe I can help. Because she was a kid when she had this “Massive” crush

come a greater weight on my shoulders. "Lynda, there's something I've never told anyone, someth

se and curiosity dancing within them.

ia's adopted mother, she was... more than just my friend's wife. We had a connection, a deep bond that I've never t

ing mine in a gesture of support. "Hen

And now Sophia is here, and it's like the past is staring me in the face.Collins ne

You've got to face it, let it go. And maybe, just maybe, having Sophia around could help you do tha

Lynda, you always manage to bring a dose of

on her lips. "That's why

d her ability to make even the weighties

een us. I took a deep breath, knowing that what I was about to reveal had been a b

with a mix of nostalgia and trepidation, "she sent

uriosity as she looked at me

email that had haunted me for so long. "

on her lips. "Oh, come on, Henry. Teenagers

s. "Lynda, this isn't just a te

her expression shifting from amusement to surprise.

rless chuckle. "

me. "So, what are you so worried about? Even if s

and. It's not just about her age. She's Collins' daughter, Ihave explained this so many time

lips. "Well, Henry, age is just a num

n in my shoulders ease just a bit. "

e. I'm sure Sophia doesn't even remem

s perspective was a welcome respite fro

he TV. "Now, how about we watch a mov

The movie's storyline pulled me in, distracting me from the tang

sound of the door opening caught my attention. My heart ski

n expressionless shock. And in that moment, as our gazes locked,

,” I wh