ZACH’S POV

“You’re not alone in this. You have me, and we’ll figure it out together. Besides, you’ve already been through enough. You don’t need to add the stress of moving back and forth on top of everything else. Stay here. Let me help.”

She sighed, her shoulders slumping as the weight of her situation seemed to settle over her once more. “I don’t know, Zach... I’ve been on my own for so long. It’s hard to just... rely on someone else.”

I nodded, understanding her hesitation. “I get it. You’ve had to be strong for so long, but you don’t have to do it all on your own anymore....