Chapter 456

The streets were alive with laughter, the hum of conversation, and the rhythmic bustle of daily life. The islanders moved with an air of ease, greeting one another with warm smiles, their joy seemingly effortless. At first, Susan hesitated, her steps small and uncertain. She had never been one to embrace strangers, but the infectious cheerfulness of the islanders gradually loosened the tight grip of anxiety in her chest. “They all seem… so happy…” she murmured, almost to herself. Happiness. A concept so foreign to her that even saying the word felt unfamiliar on her tongue. Hearing this, Eleanor turned her head slightly and glanced at Susan knowingly. A soft smile played on her lips, and a glimmer of warmth flickered in her eyes. "You can be too," Eleanor said, her voice filled with quiet certainty. Susan faltered, her gaze dropping to the ground. She shook her head. "I can't." Eleanor let out a light chuckle. "How would you know if you don’t try?" Her voice held an unwavering confiden