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January 26h, 2021
Beala sat in the familiar confines of Stacy Goodwin's office, her last session now drawing to a close. Across from her, Stacy, a gentle but firm presence, regarded her with a knowing smile.
"You've made tremendous progress, Beala," Stacy said, her voice tinged with pride. "I believe you've developed the tools to manage your emotions effectively now. Remember to keep writing in your book; it's been a valuable outlet for you."
Beala nodded, a mix of relief and uncertainty settling within her. Therapy had been her sanctuary for months, a place where she could untangle the complexities of her emotions. Graduating meant facing the world anew, armed with the lessons learned and the resilience gained.
As she left Stacy Goodwin's office, Beala found herself navigating the familiar streets back home. The winter air was crisp, the sidewalks dusted with snow from a recent flurry. Arriving at her family's doorstep, she was greeted by Zora, her brother Xavier's fiancée, whose warmth always eased Beala's transition from the outside world.
"Hey, Beala! How was your session?" Zora asked, a genuine smile lighting up her face.
"Good," Beala replied softly, offering a small smile in return. "It was my last one."
Zora's eyes widened slightly in pleasant surprise. "That's wonderful news! I'm so proud of you."
Entering the cozy warmth of the house, Beala made her way to the kitchen where her mother, Evelyn, and her memaw, Eva, were engaged in animated conversation over cups of tea.
"Hey, baby girl!" Evelyn greeted her daughter with a warm embrace. "How was therapy today?"
"Last one," Beala announced, a hint of both pride and uncertainty in her voice.
Memaw Eva, her wisdom etched into the lines of her face, nodded knowingly. "You've come a long way, Beala. Remember, healing isn't linear. Take it one day at a time."
Beala nodded gratefully, taking in their comforting presence. She glanced down at her phone as it buzzed with a text from Kyrin, the message a simple yet heartfelt reminder of their shared connection.
"Thinking of you. Hope today went well. - K"
A smile tugged at Beala's lips as she typed a quick reply, her heart lightened by the support of her family and the growing bond with Kyrin. She felt Evelyn's curious gaze on her and looked up to find her mother watching her closely.
"Who are you texting, sweetie?" Evelyn inquired with a playful yet knowing smile.
Beala chuckled softly, deciding to keep the details light. "Just a friend, Mom."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow but didn't press further, turning back to her conversation with Memaw Eva. Beala quickly sent another message to Kyrin, asking when he was planning to return to town. Before long, a notification popped up on her screen indicating his reply.
"Next week. Miss me already?" Kyrin's text was accompanied by a teasing emoji.
Beala couldn't help but smile as she typed back, "Maybe a little 😉."
Later that evening, after Beala had taken a relaxing shower and changed into comfortable loungewear, her phone buzzed again. It was a FaceTime call from Kyrin. She answered with a smile, greeted by his familiar face on the screen.
"Hey," Kyrin greeted warmly, his eyes brightening at the sight of her. "You look cozy."
Beala chuckled softly. "Thanks. It's good to see you."
"Yeah, you too." Kyrin paused for a moment, a playful glint in his eyes. "So, Valentine's Day is coming up."
Beala raised an eyebrow, pretending to be nonchalant. "Is it?"
Kyrin grinned. "Yeah. Any plans?"
"Not really," Beala replied honestly. "Probably just hanging out with family."
Kyrin nodded thoughtfully. "Well, if you're free, maybe we could do something. No pressure though."
Beala smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. "I'd like that."
As they chatted into the evening, their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and shared stories. Beala felt a sense of comfort and companionship with Kyrin, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time.
As they said their goodbyes, Beala couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the newfound connection in her life. With Valentine's Day approaching, she looked forward to whatever the future held, knowing that she was no longer navigating it alone.
