Chapter 36
**Chapter 36: Eastwind Air 1061 p>
As Serena strolled down the street, her mind was preoccupied with the supplies she had just purchased for her upcoming journey. Yet, as she turned a corner, an unexpected sight caught her eye-a building she hadn’t visited in years loomed before her, its presence stirring a whirlwind of memories within her.
It was the North Crest Recovery & Counseling Center, a place that had once been both a sanctuary and a prison for her.
“Dr. Lin,” she whispered to herself, her heart quickening as she spotted a familiar figure stepping out of a car just ahead. It was none other than her former therapist, Dr. Harper Lin, a Clinical Psychologist who had guided her through some of the darkest moments of her childhood.
Serena’s feet moved almost of their own accord as she parked her car hastily at the roadside and made her way toward the doctor.
“Dr. Lin! Doctor!” she called out, her voice a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Dr. Lin, who appeared to be in her fifties, still exuded an air of grace and professionalism as she managed the family-owned therapy center. Her short, neatly styled black hair had begun to show soft strands of gray, reflecting the wisdom earned through years of experience. The calming almond-shaped eyes that met Serena’s were filled with understanding, creating an atmosphere in which one felt accepted rather than judged.
“Serena,” Dr. Lin replied warmly, her voice laced with genuine surprise. “It has been… what, six or seven years since your last visit p>
Serena’s mind raced back to those years. She had undergone intensive therapy between the ages of eight and nine, followed by annual check-ups until she turned twelve. After that, her visits had dwindled to a few holiday check-ins, where she would bring Dr. Lin a small Christmas gift, a token of gratitude for the help she had received.
“I meant to reach out,” Dr. Lin continued, her expression softening, “but I lost your contact number. Would you like to come inside? We could have a chat p>
“No need,” Serena replied, her voice firm yet gentle. “I just wanted to say hi. I’m in a bit of a rush, actually p>
Dr. Lin sighed, a hint of concern etching her features. “How are you holding up? I heard about your separation. Is it true that you and your husband have parted ways p>
Serena nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. “It was never real,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You didn’t deserve that,” Dr. Lin said, her grip on Serena’s hand tightening slightly, as if to offer comfort.
In that moment, Serena felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over her. She looked down, avoiding the doctor’s gaze, as memories of her past flooded her mind -memories of pain, resilience, and the slow journey toward healing.
“I know it must be difficult,” Dr. Lin continued, her voice soothing, “but remember those sessions we had together. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Allow yourself to feel, even if it’s in small doses. When it becomes too overwhelming, take a moment to breathe, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Healing isn’t meant to be a solitary endeavor.” She retrieved a business card from her pocket and handed it to Serena. “Call me whenever you need. Even if it’s just for a chat, I’d be more than happy to help you navigate through this storm p>
A warmth blossomed in Serena’s chest at the doctor’s words. She mustered a smile, albeit a faint one. “Thank you, Doctor. I really appreciate it. I have an interview in Oakridge tomorrow, and I’ll likely be moving there, but I’ll make sure to return to Velmon City before my job starts. I’d love to see you again p>
“Tomorrow, you say?” Dr. Lin asked, her brows knitting together in concern.
“Actually, tonight,” Serena corrected her, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about the impending change.
The doctor stepped forward, enveloping Serena in a brief hug. “Good luck. Remember, you are stronger than you realize, Serena. Hold onto that thought p>
“Goodbye, Doctor,” Serena replied, her heart swelling with gratitude as she turned to
head back to her car, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
With her flight scheduled for six in the evening Serena decided to leave for the airport before four. Instead of driving herself, she opted for an Uber, Carrying with her a small but significant package-Victor’s DNA samples, which she intended submit to a laboratory in Oakridge, far removed from Velmon and its prying eyes.
As the Uber glided through the streets, Serena felt a growing discomfort as the driver kept glancing at the rearview mirror, his expression shifting from casual to tense.
“Sorry, Miss,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “I think the car behind us has been following us for a while now p>
Serena turned to look back, her heart skipping a beat as she spotted a luxury vehicle trailing closely behind. The plate number was unfamiliar, and a frown creased her brow. Fortunately, at the next intersection, the car turned left, and she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“Sorry about that. I might have been mistaken,” the driver said, his voice apologetic.
“It’s fine,” Serena replied, though the unease lingered.
The journey to the airport was quick, and upon arrival, the Uber driver helped her with her luggage. Just as she was about to step inside the terminal, she felt an unsettling sensation—a burning gaze that seemed to pierce through her.
A chill crept down her spine, and she instinctively turned around, scanning the area
for the source of that intense stare, but found nothing amiss.
“I’m just overthinking this,” she muttered to herself, shaking her head as she finally stepped into the airport.
After completing her check-in at five, she made her way to the boarding area, joining a throng of passengers waiting for their flights. As the clock ticked closer to departure the boarding gate attendant announced, “We are now boarding for Eastwind Air Flight 1061 bound for Oakridge City. Please proceed to the gate with your boarding passes and valid IDs p>
Serena joined the line, anticipation building within her. But just as she was about to step forward, an unexpected jolt of fear gripped her someone had seized her wrist with a firm, unyielding grip!
Her heart raced, adrenaline surging through her veins.
“Eastwind Air 1061 has already departed. We should go,” Dennis said, glancing at Nathaniel, who was seated in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed out the window.
They were parked just outside the airport, and Nathaniel’s profile was taut with tension, his jaw clenched as if he were trying to will the plane to return.
“Someone is going to meet her in Oakridge, right?” Nathaniel asked, his voice laced with concern. “She hasn’t been to Oakridge before. She rarely travels alone p>
“Yes, I’ve told you this a thousand times already. The representative in Oakridge will text me once she è meets Serena at the airport,” Dennis replied his voice edged with
irritation. “If you’re this worried, you
should have gone with her on the
flight. Better yet, you shouldnt have
divorced her in the first place p>
Nathaniel remained silent, but the tightening around his eyes betrayed the regret he
was desperately trying to suppress.
He stole one last glance at the darkening sky before finally conceding to leave.
“Thank you for driving me. Let’s go,” Nathaniel said to Dennis, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. “The engagement party is about to start p>