CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE – DEPRESSING TIMES

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the scenery. Eventually, Tina broke the quiet. "So," she said, glancing sideways at Laura. "Want to talk about what's been bothering you?" Laura hesitated, weighing her words carefully. "It's... complicated," she said finally. "I guess I've just been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. Like I'm not sure where I fit in, you know?" Tina nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. When I first moved to Miami, I felt so out of place. Like I was playing a part in someone else's life." "How did you get past it?" Laura asked, genuinely curious. Tina shrugged. "Time, mostly. And finding people I connected with. Like you and the rest of the gang at Fierro's." She bumped Laura's shoulder playfully. "You'll get there, Laura. You're already part of our little dysfunctional family, whether you realize it or not." Laura felt a lump form in her throat at Tina's words. If only she knew the truth, Laura thought. Would she still consider her fami