Anne reached the timber yard, and as soon as she spotted Aaron, she broke into a run, rushing towards him with her heart in her throat.
"Aaron!" she called out, her voice breaking as she reached him.
Aaron turned, his face a mix of shock and disbelief as she threw her arms around him. "Anne?" His voice was hoarse, as if he hadn't used it in ages.
She pulled back, her hands gripping his arms as she looked up at him. "I'm here. I'm back. Everything's going to be okay."
Aaron blinked, still trying to process it. "How… How are you here? What's going on?"
Anne shook her head, not wanting to explain everything just yet. "I'll tell you later. But right now, I need to see Nicky. Where is she?"
Aaron looked hesitant but nodded, leading her to where Nicky was working. As soon as Anne saw her friend, dressed in a simple maid's uniform and scrubbing the floor, she felt her heart break all over again. She rushed towards her, kneeling besides her.
