CHAPTER 507: LEAN ON ME

Lauretta stood in stunned silence as Henrietta stormed out, her cheek throbbing from the slap. The room felt stifling, Henrietta's words pressing down on her chest. She needed to escape and find a place to breathe and think. Without another word, she grabbed her coat and hurried out of the house, her heart pounding in her ears. The air outside was cool and crisp, contrasting the suffocating atmosphere inside. Lauretta's steps were quick and purposeful as she made her way to the park, where she and George spent their afternoons together when they were married. It was a place filled with happy and bittersweet memories, and she hoped it would offer some solace now. As she entered the park, the familiar sights and sounds surrounded her. The tall fruit trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. Once bustling with children, the playground was now quiet in the late afternoon. Lauretta found herself drawn to the bench where she and George used to sit, sharing their drea