CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN – TOO MUCH DISTANCE HURTS

"Think about it," Gordon said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "It could be an adventure for both of us. You could take some time off from teaching, maybe find inspiration for your art. We could explore Rio together, spend time on the beaches..." As Gordon rambled on about the possibilities, Jasmine felt a familiar anger rising in her chest. She pulled her hand away. "Gordon, stop," she said, her voice tight. "Just... stop." Gordon looked at her, confused. "What's wrong? I thought this could be a solution to our problems." Jasmine laughed bitterly. "A solution? Do you even hear yourself? You want me to drop everything – my job, my life here – to follow you halfway across the world for your case?" "I thought you'd be excited," Gordon said, his brow furrowing. "This could be a fresh start for us." "A fresh start?" Jasmine repeated incredulously. "Gordon, I'm in the middle of the biggest crisis of my career. My students are out of control, the administration is questioning my