You're home now

The library, the beach, the hill, and the cafe.. they were all just places now, stripped of their magic without Karim by my side.

Each visit was a farewell, a painful goodbye to the life I had known.

On the last day at the office, Sophie, Mia, and Jack surprised me with a small farewell party.

The break room was decorated with streamers and balloons, a cake with "Good Luck Kristen" written in bright icing taking center stage on the table.

Their efforts touched me deeply, and I struggled to keep my emotions in check as we shared stories and laughter.

"You better stay in touch," Sophie said, hugging me tightly.

"Of course," I promised, my voice thick with emotion. "I'll miss you guys so much."

Mia handed me a small gift box. "Just a little something to remember us by," she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.