CHAPTER 40 I Won't Regret

  Autumn

  I made my way to the Whispering Groove seeking for an alone time. Yet, as I entered the serene sanctuary, my eyes fell upon Mary, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sat alone on a weathered bench.

  Reacting instinctively, I rushed to her side, the concern evident in my voice as I uttered her name, "Mary..." Drawing closer, I settled beside her, gently placing my hands on her trembling shoulders.

  "What's troubling you?" I inquired softly as she leaned into my shoulder.

  As I gently brushed her hair, I whispered, "It's okay to let it out, you know. I'm here for you." My words were meant to offer solace, to reassure her that she wasn't alone in her distress.

  Slowly, she lifted her head, her tear-streaked face meeting mine. It was hard not to feel a pang of sorrow deep within me at the sight of her tears, each one a testament to her pain.