Chapter 23: Lost Her Way

Sitting beneath the sheltering trees, Christina's eyes drifted upward, focusing on the expanse of the clear blue sky. It stared back at her, almost daring her to decipher its mysteries. Having lived through two lifetimes, Christina had walked under this sky countless times. She had seen it dark and angry, pouring its grief in the form of rain, pelting the earth with hail, blazing with heat, or appearing as though it would rain fire and brimstone. But today, the sky was different. It was calm, serene, and dotted with fluffy clouds that seemed to float like molted feathers from an angel's wings. Rare were such days, and Christina allowed herself to be momentarily captivated by the peaceful scene. "Won't you be joining us, Christina?" Wendy's voice shattered the tranquility Christina had found in watching the sky. Her jaw tightened as she shot Wendy a hard look. "No," she replied curtly. That single word was enough to make Wendy retreat, sensing that Christina wanted to be left alone.