Chapter 44. The Weight of Choices

Anastasia POV

"Miss Ana, what happened? It's been days since you've been so downcast and silent. Did any of the participants harm you?" Flora suddenly questions as she hands me a shirt to wear and a skirt that reaches the floor. Her voice carries genuine concern, and her eyes shine with affection towards me.

I blink at her in surprise, trying to soften my expression into a weak, gentle smile.

"No, nothing happened, Flora. I've just been lost in my thoughts a bit, maybe..." I let the sentence fade on my lips, lowering my eyes to the outfit chosen for today. The soft morning sunlight streams through the window, illuminating the room with a golden glow and filling the space with a sense of warmth and tranquility, something I wish I could feel inside as well.

The day is beautiful, and all the participants have been invited for a day at the beach after breakfast. Flora chose a turquoise blue shirt with buttons, the fabric is ligh