I thanked Jamie and Amelia for their time and hospitality. It warmed my heart to know I had friends like them to fall back on. I was actually feeling relatively grateful given the circumstances. I should still feel angry with Alessandro, but gratitude was flooding me.

Jamie and Amelia had been so busy lately, but when I needed them most, they were here for me. And, with Jamie being so preoccupied, I had made friends with Veronica. I was in a healthy place in life. ...