Chapter 44

Two years later…

“Good morning, Anna.” The bright, cheery voice of Barbara, the mailwoman, brightens my morning as she passes me in the street.

“Morning.” I’m practically skipping today, wearing a new cornflower blue summer dress on the hottest day of the season and in a blindingly happy mood. Nothing could dampen my spirits today since I woke up from a scarce night of no nightmares and felt incredibly refreshed for once. It’s funny how that alone can change my entire day.

The village is bustling, bright, and early, with most fishing crews already coming in to offload, and the harbor is chaotic with activity. It’s eight am, and yet life here starts at four.

“Anna!!!” I’m hit from behind with a small, soft bundle of speed, colliding with my rear and wrapping little arms around my thighs that sends me skipping forward to stop myself from falling over. I am waving my arms around for balance, yet the smile spreads across my face and warms me. It’s no guessing who