Pasco began texting Debbie again, asking her to meet him for coffee or walks along the river. Despite her initial resistance, she found herself agreeing.
One evening, as they strolled along Phnom Penh's
vibrant night market, Pasco reached for her hand.
Debbie hesitated but didn't pull away.
"I've changed," he said, looking at her earnestly. "I
know I hurt you, but I want to make things right."
Debbie felt her resolve wavering. Part of her wanted
to believe him, to give their story another chance.
But the scars of their past were hard to ignore.