ANNA

Her embrace was tender yet firm, strong yet determined. Since Marco’s passing, I had never felt more alive. The way those arms around me gave me courage and hope that recovery was still possible. Every muscle relaxed and lost its tightness. She suddenly slid her arm slowly and gently up and down my back, just to make me feel valued and secure. It worked; with each touch, I became more at ease and felt the warmth I had much missed.

My worries and fears seemed to vanish as ...