Page 68 of Breaking

Dani retrieved the fallen note, handing it over with a smirk. Jenna hesitated before unfolding it.

Hope you like the gift -Troy.

Dani let out a low whistle. "Ooh, someone has an admirer."

Jenna forced a smile, though something in her chest felt unsettled. The brushes were perfect, too perfect. Thoughtful in a way that felt like an intrusion. Like an apology she hadn't asked for.

Later that afternoon, her phone buzzed. Troy again.

Did you like the gift?

Jenna stared at the screen for a long moment before typing a stilted response.

Yes, thank you.

No more. No invitation for conversation. Just acknowledgment.

Not five minutes later, another message lit up her screen.

Would you like to go out next week?

Jenna sighed, but this time, it wasn't Troy's name on the message. It was Adam.

Jenna:I don't know. Things have been... complicated.

Adam:I figured. How's everything with Troy? How is the divorce proceeding?

Jenna:He moved in next door. Said he wanted to try. I am giving him 20 weeks. I think I regret it.

Adam:You knew it wouldn't be easy.

Jenna:I just don't want him to think there's hope. I'm actually happy. I like my life.

Adam:And that's what matters. But do you still want to meet? No pressure, just friends.

Jenna:Yeah. I could use a friend.

The Next Day

Jenna sat in front of her laptop, waiting for Dr. Patel to appear on the screen. Her sessions had become routine, an oasis of tranquility after Sasha's death. The screen flickered, and Dr. Patel's warm face appeared.

"Jenna, how are you?"

Jenna exhaled, giving a small smile. "Better. Things are changing. Max is remorseful. He calls often now. Lilly and I have found common ground with our art, and I love taking on a mentor role. We've grown closer."

Dr. Patel nodded. "That's wonderful to hear. What else has been on your mind?"

Jenna hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Troy moved next door. And I don't know how I feel about it. It's been... complicated."

Dr. Patel's eyebrows lifted slightly. "That must be a lot to process. How has that change affected you?"

Jenna pressed her lips together. "I feel like I am on a rollercoaster. Sometimes, it feels like he's too close. Like I can't fully move on. And then other times, I feel... I want to try again with him. And that scares me."

Dr. Patel gave a thoughtful nod. "It's natural to feel conflicted. You spent years with him, and now there's this proximity again. Have you been able to work through what you want from this situation?"

Jenna sighed. "Not entirely. I also feel guilty about Adam. I have no reason to feel this way, but I do. I gave Troy twenty weeks, but I don't even know what that means anymore."

Dr. Patel smiled gently. "You're making progress, Jenna. You don't need to have all the answers today. What you do need is to keep focusing on what makes you happy and what gives you peace. Let's work through these emotions and see where they lead."