The Sharpest Jewel | Alfie Solomons |

~Chapter 32~

Small heath, Birmingham, 1923.

Months had passed since Florence had stormed out of the Shelby family's world, and her life in Birmingham had settled into an uneasy routine. The apartment she occupied was a modest one, nestled in a quiet part of the city, far from the chaotic underbelly of the Peaky Blinders' influence. Though the location offered some peace, the memories of her time with the Shelbys often lingered, haunting her in moments of solitude.

Lara, her bullmastiff, had grown larger and more imposing, her loyalty providing Florence with comfort and companionship. The bond between them had deepened, and every day spent with the dog reminded Florence of the strength and resilience she needed to reclaim her life. Lara's presence was a steadying force, a reminder that she was no longer trapped in a world defined by violence and intimidation.

As Florence settled into her routine, she spent her days working at a local hospital on a measly wage that she barely got by on, where the bustle of the wards kept her mind occupied. She poured herself into her nursing duties, finding solace in helping others and also spare money yet the weight of her past experiences would often seep into her thoughts. Each patient reminded her of the fragility of life and the sharp contrast between her current existence and the danger she had narrowly escaped.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Florence sat on her couch with Lara sprawled beside her. She absentmindedly scratched the dog behind the ears, a soft smile forming on her lips as Lara let out a contented sigh. The apartment felt peaceful, but there was a stirring discontent within Florence. "Lara," she said softly, looking down at her furry companion, "I wish I could say I'm really happy. But I'm just... here." The dog lifted her head, looking up at Florence with big, trusting eyes, as if she understood every word.

Days rolled into weeks, and as the city continued to change around her, Florence found herself increasingly restless. The buzz of Birmingham's nightlife thrummed just beyond her window, and every now and then, she'd hear distant laughter or music that reminded her of a life she had tried to leave behind. Memories of the Shelbys, the chaos, and the unyielding tension of their world flickered through her mind, and she often found herself grappling with a sense of loss.

One Saturday afternoon, as the city came alive with people, Florence decided to take Lara for a long walk. She needed to clear her head, to escape the confines of her apartment, even if just for a moment. The two of them strolled through the local park, where children played and couples enjoyed picnics. Florence reveled in the normalcy of it all, but there was a lingering sense of isolation that gnawed at her.

As they wandered along a path lined with trees, Lara trotted ahead, her nose sniffing the ground, utterly absorbed in the world around her. Florence watched her with a mix of admiration and longing. "Look at you, girl," she said, her voice tinged with affection. "You're living your best life, aren't you?" The dog paused, looking back at her, and Florence couldn't help but laugh.

Later that evening, as they returned to the apartment, Florence prepared dinner, the familiar motions grounding her in the present. But as she chopped vegetables, her mind drifted again, pulled back to thoughts of the Shelby family and the decisions that had led her to this point. She had escaped, yes, but at what cost? The anger she had felt towards Thomas and the rest of them was starting to fade, replaced by a deeper reflection on her own choices. Sitting down to eat, she glanced at Lara, who lay at her feet, watching intently. "I just want to be free, you know?" she confided to the dog, who thumped her tail in response. "But sometimes, I don't know what that means anymore."

The days passed like this, with Florence attempting to move forward while still feeling tethered to her past. The whispers of the Shelbys echoed in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of the life she had fled. Yet as much as she tried to distance herself from that world, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was a part of her—etched into her very being.