Chapter 195

Claire's POV I returned to Crescent City. When I opened my apartment door, I saw that everything had been cleaned spotlessly, and the room was decorated with warm little green plants. Joey's luggage was already packed and ready, and the refrigerator was stocked full of food. Seeing all this, my anxious and troubled heart suddenly found peace. Having Joey by my side was one of the few sources of beauty and comfort in my chaotic and complicated life. "Ready to job hunt tomorrow?" Joey asked as she helped me unpack. I nodded, trying to focus on practicalities rather than the mess my personal life had become. "First thing in the morning." By noon the next day, we were exhausted, slumped on a bench along the commercial district with hot coffees in hand. Despite the winter chill, the midday sun offered some warmth, complemented by the steaming cup between my palms. Joey puffed her cheeks out in frustration. "People weren't kidding about the job market being tough. We've been running around a