Chapter 7

Bruno gazes at Helena, deep in thought. In a million years, he wouldn't have imagined that this sweet girl had gone through all that. She turns towards him and offers her best smile amidst the pain in her eyes. Helena looks back at the ocean and then feels Bruno's hand holding hers in the sand. She continues staring at the sea because if she looks at Bruno, she feels the tears will take over her face, and Lena isn't willing to allow that. Cry in front of a stranger? Not in a million years! Gradually, Bruno's fingers move away from hers, and he turns back to face the sea, in silence. They remain like that for a few long minutes until Bruno takes a deep breath and asks:

"So, you decided to come on this trip to try to convince him that you're not the person he accused you of being?"

"No," Helena denies, shaking her head, smiling. "Actually, that would be an obvious reason, but no..."

"Did you come because the tickets were non-refundable, and you decided not to waste t