CHAPTER 35: THE RESORT

DAMIEN The following day, I stood by the open suitcase on my bed, staring at the clothes inside. Packaging for a trip I had dismissed as unnecessary the day before felt absurd. Yet here I was, loading a few essentials, trying to shake off the heavy fog that had settled over me. Julie appeared in the doorway, her expression unreadable. "Damian, are you sure about this?" I zipped the suitcase with a decisive motion. "Yes. I'm coming with you to the resort. I need to clear my head." It was indeed true. Julie was right, after all. A break might be all I need. Her eyes flickered with surprise apprehension. "Alright. I'll grab a few things myself." We drove silently, the miles stretching between us as I wrestled with my thoughts. Julie's excitement about the resort had dimmed, and she was quiet, focused on the road. The atmosphere in the car was thick with unspoken words, each of us lost in our thoughts. It may be better this way. The resort's entrance was a burst of color and activit