CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE - The World Beyond Her Grief

As Nia crawled into bed that night, she felt wrung out but strangely lighter. The pain wasn't gone, but it felt more manageable. She understood now that setbacks didn't erase progress. They were just part of the journey. The morning of her first day at work dawned clear and bright. Nia woke early, a flutter of nervous excitement in her stomach. She stood before her closet, carefully selecting her outfit - a simple navy blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with tailored trousers. Professional, but not stuffy. As she smoothed down her collar, she caught her reflection in the mirror and allowed herself a small smile. She looked... capable. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it to find Melissa, grinning and holding two takeout cups of coffee. "Thought you could use a little extra fuel today," Melissa said, handing Nia one of the cups. She pulled an envelope from her bag. "And a little good luck charm." Nia opened the card, warmth spreading through her chest as