I gently closed the door to Mom''s room and turned back toward the living room.


    The empty living room was bathed in soft moonlight that filtered in through the curtains. I walked to the window, gazed out at the quiet night, and took a deep breath.


    I had to pull myself together-not just for myself but for Mom too.


    I turned off the lights and went back to my room.


    Lying in bed, I couldn''t fall asleep no matter how much I tossed and turned. It wasn''t until dawn began to break that I finally drifted off.


    ...


    The next morning, a knock at the door woke me up. I opened the door to find Mom standing there, holding a ss of milk and a few slices of bread.


    "Serena, get up and eat something," she said softly.


    I took the milk and bread before forcing a smile. "Thanks, Mom."


    She sat down beside my bed and watched me, hesitating as if she wanted to say something. I knew exactly what was on her mind.


    "Mom, don''t worry too much," I said. "Even if the sky falls, I''ll hold it up. Besides, I''ve earned quite a bit from working at Hastings Group these past few years."


    It sounded like one of thoseforting lies, but both Mom and I knew it was the truth.


    She sighed, reaching out to gently pat my head. "Serena, you''ve grown up."


    Hearing that, I smiled at her, nodded, and lowered my head to continue eating my bread.


    After breakfast, I started packing. Since I had decided to move, there was no point in dying. I sorted out my important documents and paperwork first. As for everything else, I figured I''d move them gradually once I found a new ce.


    Mom helped me pack and sneaked nces at me from time to time.


    "Mom, you really don''t have to worry," I said with a smile. "I''m not leaving alone- I''m taking you with me."


    She nodded and said nothing more.


    Once I finished packing, I began searching for apartments online. looked at several listings, but the options weren''t great-either the environment was terrible or the location was too inconvenient.


    Just as I was about to give up, I suddenly came across a listing that seemed decent. The apartment wasn''t very big, but it was clean and well-kept, and most importantly, it was close to my university. immediately contacted the agent and arranged to see the ce that afternoon.


    Later that day, arrived at theplex on time and met with the agent. He was a young guy who seemed enthusiastic as he walked me through the details of the apartment. After the viewing was very satisfied and decided on the spot to rent it.


    ve


    Once the contract was signed, I finally felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Things had gone more smoothly than I expected. It almost felt unreal, like I was dreaming.


    Stepping out of the rental office, I took a deep breath. The sunlight was warm against my skin, washing away the gloom of the past few days.


    Now that this was settled, I figured I deserved a break.


    I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, wanting to share this bit


    of good news with someone. But as I looked through the list, I realized I didn''t have a single suitable person to call.


    Former colleagues? Ever since I left Hastings Group, everyone had been keeping their distance. Other than for work-rted matters, we barely spoke.


    Friends? Over the years, I hadn''t really made any close friends.


    Wait-L!


    This apartment was near Astern University. I could drop by and pay her a visit.


    Without hesitation, I hailed a cab and headed straight for Astern University.


    The campus was the same as I remembered the same trees, the same buildings, the same bright-eyed students.