CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN - A LIFE CHANGING DECISION

The midday sun beat down on the sandy shores of the beach, casting shimmering diamonds on the cerulean ocean. Karina, clad in a bright red swimsuit that accentuated her figure, squinted towards the beach entrance, scanning the throngs of people for a familiar face. She was meeting Marie for a much-needed escape from the recent turmoil in her life. Suddenly, a loud, enthusiastic yell cut through the beach chatter. "Karina!" Turning towards the sound, Karina spotted Marie, a vibrant splash of color in a shockingly yellow sundress. Marie, ever the free spirit, had traded her sensible office attire for a pair of oversized sunglasses and a bright straw hat that bobbed precariously on her blonde curls. With a joyful shriek, Karina sprinted towards her friend, the warm sand squishing between her toes. Their reunion was filled with bone-crushing hugs, excited squeals, and a flurry of questions. Marie, ever perceptive, picked up on the slight tension lingering in Karina's smile. "Girl,