We went back into the living room to join the others. I took my place next to Hope, who immediately took my hand, holding it in her lap with a comforting warmth. Rebekah settled herself between Freya and Lizzie, and I couldn't help but notice Lizzie's eyes light up as if she'd just fallen head over heels the moment Rebekah sat beside her.
"So, I see you met my aunt," Hope said to me, a knowing smile playing on her lips. It made me smile too, though she had no idea of the full story. But that was a secret I intended to keep just between Rebekah and me.
"Yeah, we did. And honestly, your family is awesome," I replied, my words making Hope chuckle softly. She squeezed my hand gently, a small gesture that sent a wave of reassurance through me.
"Alright, girls, what's the plan for today?" Freya asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she looked at us. Without missing a beat, Hope immediately chimed in on our behalf,
"Well, I was thinking of showing them around the city." Her voice carried a note of excitement, and the idea resonated with all of us, so we nodded in agreement.
It was a strange sensation, being in the city where I was born yet feeling like a stranger in a place that should have been so familiar. The thought that Hope was born and raised here too only added to the oddness. I couldn't help but wonder how different life might have been if my parents were still alive, if I had grown up here with the pack, alongside Hope. What would our bond have been like, living side by side from the start? But then again, maybe the universe has its reasons. After all, despite everything, we found each other in the end.
I like to believe in the invisible string theory—that we're all connected by some unseen thread that pulls us exactly where we're meant to be. And right now, surrounded by the people I love and care for, I'm convinced I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Once we were ready, the four of us headed out, with Rebekah joining us for our girls' day. Freya would have loved to come along, too, but today was her turn to stay with Nick, her son, since her wife had to work.
And that's exactly what we did. We stepped out into the bustling heart of the city, where the streets were alive with energy and the air buzzed with a mix of languages and laughter. Tall, historic buildings lined the avenues, their stone facades weathered by time yet still grand and imposing. The architecture was a blend of old-world charm and modern elegance, with quaint cafes nestled between sleek, glass-fronted boutiques.
As we walked, Hope led us through narrow, winding alleys that opened up to charming squares filled with vibrant flower stalls and street musicians playing soulful tunes on their guitars and violins. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods wafted through the air, inviting us to stop and savor the moment. The people here were as diverse as the city itself—locals chatting animatedly on street corners, tourists snapping photos of every picturesque detail, and children chasing pigeons across the cobblestone streets.
We passed by a bustling marketplace where vendors sold everything from colorful textiles to handcrafted jewelry. Among the many treasures, I spotted a beautiful ring—delicate, with an intricate design that reminded me of something Hope would love. Without her noticing, I decided to buy it as a surprise, slipping it into my pocket with a small smile.
Lizzie, on the other hand, couldn't resist the allure of the market. She bought everything that caught her eye, from vibrant scarves to quirky trinkets. And guess who's going to end up carrying all those bags home? Yeah, probably me. But watching her excitement, I couldn't help but laugh—it was so very Lizzie.
As we continued through the market, I saw Josie carefully selecting handmade jewelry, her fingers brushing over each piece with care. She picked out a bracelet for herself and a little gift for her dad, her face softening with a smile as she imagined his reaction.
