Late evenings were quieter. She walked along the trails behind her house, stretching her legs, sometimes riding one of the horses for exercise and calm. She revisited old memories with a smile, rediscovering pieces of the girl she had been before Damien's shadow had fallen over her life.
Her parents were supportive but gave her space.They watched her regain her confidence and independence without hovering, only offering gentle encouragement when she asked. Hazel occasionally called, checking in and offering a listening ear, while Noah stayed in LA, sending text messages and occasional updates, respecting her distance. She knew he cared deeply, but here in Alpine, she needed to focus on her own recovery first.
In a month, Jossy had built a new rhythm..mornings with the horses and at the garden, afternoons at work, evenings on trails, or reading by the fireplace. She felt calmer, more grounded. Alpine was more than a home..it was a sanctuary. And slowly, day by day, she was learning how to enjoy life again.
On her 25th birthday, she had just logged off work, and was planning to take an afternoon walk to enjoy the Alpine Sunset. She hadn't expected company, but as she stepped outside, she saw Hazel and Noah, grinning, alongside her parents.