"Alright, that''s the spirit!"


    Adler lifted his ss with enthusiasm. "In honor of Ms. Sandy''s determination, let''s all raise a toast!"


    "Cheers!" Jenna added, raising her own ss.


    Everyone joined in, and the room buzzed with warmth andughter. Amidst the joyful crowd, Sophie''s smile seemed a bit forced, unnoticed by most-except for Colby, who gently squeezed her hand. He knew.


    Everyone was here.


    Except for one.


    Sandy, sitting right next to Sophie, also picked up on her mood. She had caught snippets about Sophie''s situation while overseas, though her brother hadn''t filled her in on much.


    Halfway through the evening, Sophie got up to use the restroom.


    Sandy followed her out.


    The hallway was a stark contrast to the lively room, quiet and calm.


    After washing her hands, Sophie turned to find Sandy waiting.


    "Ready to head back?" Sophie asked, initially nning to return together, but Sandy suggested, "It''s too noisy in there. Let''s talk for a bit."


    Sophie hesitated but then agreed.


    For weeks, she had buried herself in work, hoping it would help her ept that Gordon was gone. But it wasn''t that easy.


    In the quiet moments, her thoughts always wandered back to her brother.


    She still couldn''te to terms with Gordon''s passing.


    The Grand Hotel, as timeless as ever, stood proudly, a Devonportndmark dusted in snow.


    Sophie and Sandy stood by therge windows on the second floor, taking in the snowy cityscape.


    "So much has happened in just a month."


    Hearing Sophie''s words, Sandy felt a twinge of regret.


    She wished she had stayed, to be there for Sophie through the tough times.


    Sophie said, "What''s happened is done. Dwelling on it doesn''t help my heart just won''t listen. I getat logically, but I can''t ept it


    sw nove


    "I didn''t know Mr. Gordon well, but he reminded me of my brother."


    Sandy''s remark caught Sophie''s attention. "How so?"


    "My brother loves me a lot, just like Mr. Gordon loved you."


    ???


    but


    Leaning against the railing, Sandy continued, "If my brother left suddenly, I wouldn''t handle it as well as you, Sophie. You''re so rational, the kind of person I look up to. I admire your bravery, your smarts: Even after losing Gordon, you only let yourself grieve briefly before tucking it away. But if it were me, I''d cry my eyes out and probably stay down until time eventually healed things enough for me to move on."


    Sandy paused, then added, "Maybe I understand why Mr. Gordon treated you the way he did. He wanted you


    to be strong, strong enough to thrive even when he wasn''t around


    en


    BUMS