CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO - A Difficult Choice

Claire woke up early the next morning, her mind still swirling with thoughts from the previous night's dinner and her subsequent walk. She had returned home late, finding Mason asleep on the couch, his laptop open beside him. She'd draped a blanket over him and retreated to their bedroom, her heart heavy with unresolved emotions. Her phone buzzed with a text from her mother: "Breakfast at Café Flore at 9? Just us." Claire hesitated for a moment before replying with a simple "OK." She needed to talk to someone, and maybe her parents could offer some perspective. The café was bustling when Claire arrived, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong coffee filling the air. She spotted her parents at a corner table, her mother waving her over with a warm smile. "Good morning, sweetheart," her father said, standing to give her a hug. "How are you feeling?" Claire sank into the chair opposite them, grateful for the steaming latte the waiter promptly placed in front of her. "I'm... ok