CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO - A PROMISE UNFULFILLED

  Leon nodded, his smile understanding. "Of course. Take 48 hours. I look forward to hearing your decision." As Nia left the office, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She spent the morning in a daze, mechanically going through her tasks while her thoughts raced. During her lunch break, Nia found a quiet corner in the break room, pulling out a notepad to make a pro/con list. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice Old Man Barnaby approach until he spoke. "Heavy thoughts, kid?" he asked, his gravelly voice tinged with concern. Nia looked up, offering a weak smile. "Hey, Barnaby. Yeah, you could say that." Barnaby eased himself into the chair across from her, his arthritis making the movement slow and deliberate. "Want to talk about it?" Nia hesitated, then found herself spilling everything about Leon's offer and her conflicted feelings. Barnaby listened intently, his weathered face thoughtful. When Nia finished, he leaned back, stroking his salt-and-pepper beard. "Sounds