Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 78

A/n: Both this and the next chapter include a quick transition through time. I understand that such transitions can be off-putting for some readers, including myself, so I wanted to give you a heads-up.

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Estrella approached the door of the small, cozy building in North Carolina, her heart racing slightly as she checked the address on the pamphlet for the third time.

It was indeed the right place, but her nerves still lingered, making her second-guess herself.

The building, though modest, had an inviting charm that stirred a cautious sense of optimism within her.

She hesitated for a moment before raising her hand to knock, but before she could, the door swung open to reveal a woman in her mid-sixties.

The woman’s kind eyes and warm smile instantly put Estrella at ease.

"Hi, you must be Estrella," the woman greeted her warmly.

"I’m Lucy, and this is my lovely but often grumpy husband, Garold." Lucy’s voice was soft, laced with a touch of playfulness as she introduced her husband.

Garold, standing just behind Lucy, gave Estrella a friendly smile, a glint of humor dancing in his eyes.

"Don’t mind the grumpy bit. It’s more of an exaggeration," he said with a small chuckle.

Estrella smiled back, feeling her initial tension begin to melt away.

"It’s nice to meet both of you," she replied, genuinely grateful for their warm welcome.

"Come on in, dear," Lucy said, stepping aside to let Estrella enter. "I’ll show you the apartment. Christina and Meghan, who live across the street, helped me with the pamphlet. They’re much better with that sort of thing than I am."

As Estrella stepped inside, she took in the space.

The apartment was small but undeniably cozy, with a lived-in feel that brought her an unexpected sense of comfort.

It wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it was just enough, and more importantly, it was affordable.

"It’s small, but it should do the trick," Lucy said, watching Estrella’s expression carefully. "And the rent is very reasonable, especially considering the area."

Estrella nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "It’s perfect, really," she said sincerely. "I appreciate you renting it out to me on such short notice."

"Oh, it’s no trouble at all," Lucy responded, waving off Estrella’s gratitude with a smile. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re just downstairs on the bottom floor, so don’t be a stranger."

"Thank you, Lucy. I really appreciate it," Estrella replied, her voice soft but filled with genuine sincerity.

As Lucy and Garold left, Estrella stood by the door, feeling a strange mixture of relief and sadness.

She closed the door behind them and leaned against it for a moment, taking a deep breath.

This was her chance to start anew, far from the painful memories and dangers of Mystic Falls.

She moved slowly through the apartment, setting her bag down on the small bed in the corner.

The space was modest, but it was hers. For the first time in a long while, she felt a flicker of peace.

The echoes of her past still lingered in her mind, but here, in this little apartment, they seemed distant, as if she could finally begin to heal.

With a deep breath, Estrella sat down on the bed, the weight of everything she had left behind pressing down on her.