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A COUPLE of days later, Amalia found herself on the open road, driving down from Virginia to the familiar shores of Cousins Beach.
The excitement and nervousness that had been building within her since the phone call with Susannah Fisher now coursed through her veins, pushing her forward on this 11-hour journey that felt like both a homecoming and a new beginning.
The road stretched ahead, a ribbon of endless possibilities that led her back to the place where so many summers had been woven into the fabric of her memories.
She drove with the windows down, the wind tangling her hair and carrying snippets of conversations from the radio. Her thoughts, however, remained anchored to the destination that lay ahead.
Amalia made several pit stops along the way, each one marked by a small adventure of its own. She explored quirky roadside attractions, tasted local cuisine, and even stumbled upon a quaint bakery that promised the perfect apple pie.
With the Conklins and Fishers in mind, she decided to make a thoughtful gesture and purchased two pies, one for each family. The scent of warm apples and cinnamon filled her car, a comforting reminder of the connections she was eager to rekindle.
Hours turned into miles, and the landscape shifted as she approached the familiar coastline. The sight of the ocean peeking through the horizon brought a smile to her lips.
The last stretch of the journey was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, a reminder that she was moments away from facing her past and shaping her future.
As Amalia's car finally rolled into the town that held so many memories, she took a deep breath and felt a mixture of emotions wash over her.
Cousins Beach welcomed her with open arms, its salty breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing rhythm that echoed her heartbeat.
With the apple pies resting carefully in the passenger seat, Amalia followed the road she knew so well, leading her to the beach house where old friendships awaited.
The anticipation was palpable, a blend of familiarity and newness that stirred her soul. As she parked the car and gazed at the beach house, she couldn't help but feel that this summer held the promise of something extraordinary, a chance to mend broken threads and weave new stories amidst the sand and sea.
Amalia stepped out of the car, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The beach house stood before her, its weather exterior a testament to the many summers it had witnessed. The sound of laughter and the distanr crash of waves enveloped her, creating a backdrop that felt both comforting and surreal.
With the apple pies in hand, she walked up to the front door. The familiarity of the place tugged at her eyes, allowing herslef to soak in the nostalgia. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door and waited.
