Chapter 78. Memories in Fragments

Heather POV

Stella placed a comforting hand on mine, stopping my ramble.

“You overthink things,” she said gently, her voice steady and kind. “I know you’ve been healing. You’ve been through a lot. No one with any sense would think otherwise.”

Her sincerity disarmed me, and for a moment, I let myself relax. Stella’s kindness felt genuine—there was no hidden edge, no judgment. My eyes wandered to the picture she held, a young girl smiling back from the frame.

“She’s beautiful,” I whispered. “Looks just like you.”

Stella’s expression softened, but there was a shadow in her eyes. “Everyone says that. She’s my light... my hope. She’s what keeps me going, even in the darkest of times.”

“It must be hard, being away from her,” I said, hesitant but unable to stop myself from asking.

“It is.” Her voice cracked just slightly. “It’s been four days now. I thought I’d see her again, but...” She glanced toward the back of the plane, where