CHAPTER 416: FRIENDS FROM WAY BACK

Once bright with red and white checks, the old picnic blanket was crumpled on the grass as if it had been abandoned. Maddy walked up to Lauretta slowly, the memory of that red blanket from their childhood still vivid as it glinted off Lauretta's bike handlebars. Lauretta was sitting hunched over, her fingers tracing patterns on the worn denim of her jeans. Maddy couldn't help but notice the way Lauretta cringed when she heard the gravel crunching under Maddy's feet. "Hey," Maddy began, her voice barely a whisper. Has she drawn closer and realized this Lauretta, who was married to George? I'd the same Lauretta as her childhood. Lauretta's head snapped up, her eyes wide and guarded. The recognition that glinted in Lauretta's eyes immediately closed off behind a mask of indifference. "Can I help you?" she asked, her tone curt. Maddy felt hurt. This wasn't the Lauretta she remembered - the Lauretta who used to braid wildflowers into her hair and giggle as they chased fireflies in the t