162
+25 BONUS
162
Sienna’s POV
My lips softened as I giggled. “I might take a break.”
My work desk at home has remained untidened as of now.
She playfully told her that they should all be quiet, but her tone was clear. “You merit it.”
We both smiled. We maintained a comfortable silence as we didn’t need to end the conversation, but because we both knew it was not time for grand conclusions. At times, it’s just a relief that we’ve made it to this point.
Closing my eyes for a second, I thought about what the cafe was doing and its. My first experience wasn’t involving any evidence. I just wanted to enjoy this small talk, a cup of coffee, a friendly chat and the peace I’d not felt for months.
With a soft voice, Livia glanced at me once more. “You’re doing great, Sienna,” she said softly. “You not only found yourself through that story but also your work as well.”
Despite the sudden surge of emotions, I swallowed deeply to keep my composure. “I’m proud of where I came from,” I whisperered.
Her eyes lit up with Livia’s beaming smile..
In the meantime, she leaned back into her chair and declared, “It’s me.”
Then she added, “At the conclusion of the competition, you know that you can take up publishing.” The publisher has expressed interest in converting the contest into a book.
If you’re willing, I’ll take on the task right away.
“I opened up. Do you have any serious thoughts?”
“Of course. Your story has huge potential. It has a strong plot and an authentic feeling of life that is sought after by readers,” Livia declared with reassurance. “This book feels like it’s been taken away from you.”
As I breathed deeply, my heart raced to stay steady as the feeling rose inside me. “Thank you, Livia.”
For everything. Your efforts may have led me to finish the task, but I didn’t.
She chuckled, “No way, don’t thank me yet. After your book is published and you win the contest, we’ll have a big dinner.”
I couldn’t have laughed as hard as I did with her.
The sun had set slightly lower outside the window, shining a golden light on the busy street. As I finished my coffee, I caught a glimpse of it and felt incredibly warm, filled with gratitude mixed with relief and fresh hope.
I thought, “Maybe it’s like writing a story about life.”
Despite the difficulty, finding the right path makes every struggle worthwhile.
1/4
162
+25 BONUS
After finishing reading the manuscript, Livia calmed down by stirring her cup gently.
She spoke with a soft, yet curious tone, “Sienna, what are you going to do after all these months of writing your manuscript, including the contest and all those things that have been haunting you for months?”
It was a straightforward question, but I didn’t respond for an extended period. My mind was constantly replaying the events of my past, including sleepless nights, doubts, tears and written words. I stared at the spoon with a faint smile before responding.
“I suppose I will finally get some sleep,” I said. “Not just from writing, but also from everything that has made me forget about the experience of being in complete peace.”
Livia lowered her eyebrows, anticipating my explanation.
I turned and looked towards the window, where the light filtered through thin curtains to the wooden table.” I’ve been writing in an attempt not to harm myself.”
Fear, loss, and too much to bear to face. Why? I am now motivated to write, not because of a desire. Why?
Livia listened intently, with her chin in her hands. “You sound like you’re finally comfortable with yourself. What followed?”
I chuckled slightly. “Are we going to see?”
“I’m uncertain if I have reached peace, but I know that running is not the right path for me. The objective I am seeking is to have a happy life again. Breakfast, Write in no time, sleep soundly. Maybe you could consider taking a walk every now and then or simply stumbling upon people passing by.”
I couldn’t hide the smile that was spreading across my face when Livia asked, “Liam, what happened?” with a gentle tone.
Laughing, I glanced down at the dining area to mask my sudden embarrassedness. “I’m still trying to make sense of this person. My aim is not to act quickly. But I am aware that I long for his company. Noah’s laughter and the aroma of coffee every morning make me long for a peaceful home. I miss my little boy. Why? Perhaps it’s what I have been searching for without realizing it.”
Livia’s smile widened as her eyes lit up, conveying a sense of relief after hearing good news from an old acquaintance. “I’m extremely happy to hear that. You seem lighter now, don’t you think? Prior to our meeting, you always seemed like a defensive person.”
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