Chapter 128: Rachel's Challenges

The gallery was quiet this morning, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of activity that had consumed us recently. I was sipping my tea and going over some paperwork when my phone buzzed on the desk. It was a text from Rachel. **Rachel:** Hey Lily, can we talk? I’m having a tough time with everything. I immediately felt a pang of concern. Rachel had recently started a new job, and while I knew she was excited about it, it sounded like things weren’t going smoothly. I quickly texted back. **Me:** Of course. Do you want to come over to the gallery or should I come to you? **Rachel:** I’ll come to the gallery. Be there in about 30 minutes. I put down my phone, my mind already racing with thoughts of how to help Rachel. She was one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I knew, and it pained me to think she was struggling. True to her word, Rachel arrived at the gallery half an hour later. She looked tired and frazzled, a far cry from her usual composed self. I gave her a warm hu