Page 92 of Before Dawn

“Before you go...” I paused. “Have you ever googled Dillon?”

Her eyebrows shot up, and she let out a knowing laugh. “I did, and I still get notifications whenever his name pops up. It’s a mix of rumors, half-truths, and tabloid nonsense. Makes you wonder what’s real, especially with all the women who want him.”

I nodded, strangely comforted by her honesty. “How do you separate who someone is from what the internet says?”

She leaned against the doorframe, arms loosely crossed. “I want to ask why you’re asking, but I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready.” A sigh escaped her lips before she continued, “Anyway, that’s the thing—online, you find everything and nothing at the same time. People like Dillon have layers, and sometimes you wonder if you’ll ever see what’s beneath all thenoise. It’s not about trusting what I read—anyone can post anything. It’s about trusting how he makes me feel, how he treats me. That’s the real stuff.”

I let her words settle, then nodded. “Alright. Thanks for answering.”

“Anytime,” she whispered before slipping out the door.

Once I finished cleaning up, I glanced at the clock. Time to leave for my appointment with Dr. Green.

The waiting room was quiet, soft music humming in the background. After checking in, I pulled out my phone and texted Mikkel.

Me:Just got to my appointment..

His reply was instant.

S:Let me know when you’re home.

A few minutes later, Dr. Green appeared in the doorway, her smile warm and familiar. “Good evening! Come on in.”

I followed her inside, sinking into my usual spot on the couch as she settled across from me, notepad in hand.

“So,” she said, meeting my gaze. “How have you been since our last session?”

I took a deep breath and dived into the latest updates: my growing relationship with Mikkel, small victories at work, and the ongoing challenges of settling into my new apartment.

“Sometimes I feel guilty,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Happy but guilty.”

Dr. Green’s expression remained gentle as she prompted, “Guilty about what?”

“I’ve already... moved on?” The words tumbled out faster than I intended. “It feels weird to be this okay so soon, but it also feels good because of Mikkel.”

She nodded in understanding. “It’s natural to feel conflicted after a breakup, especially if you’re moving on faster than you expected. Tell me more about what you’re feeling.”

I sighed, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling inside me. “I thought I’d be devastated, but I haven’t shed a tear. And then Mikkel came along, making me feel things I’ve never felt before. It happened so fast. I keep thinking I should be sad longer, that I should be mourning, but a stronger part of me feels like I don’t deserve to put myself through that.”

Dr. Green leaned forward slightly, her gaze warm and reassuring. “Everyone processes breakups differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to heal. The pain you went through before was already part of your ‘mourning period,’ and now that you’re past it, it’s not as heavy as you thought it would be. That doesn’t mean your past relationship didn’t matter—it just means you’re allowing yourself to let go. Even if you overthink things, you’re choosing to move forward with Mikkel and the happiness he brings into your life.”

I thought of him, and I started blushing like an idiot. “He’s generous and attentive. It’s so easy with him, like I’ve known him forever, even though it’s only been a short time. I get butterflies just thinking about him, when I’m with him, even when my phone lights up with his name.”

She jotted something down, then met my gaze. “He’s bringing something positive into your life. Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting or erasing what you had with Joshua. It just means you’re stepping into a new chapter.”

Some of the anxiousness inside me eased. “I guess I just needed to hear that.”

Dr. Green smiled. “You deserve happiness, Abigail. Joshua made his choice. And for the first time in years, you’re making yours—you’re choosing yourself, choosing joy. That’s not something to feel guilty about.”

I took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. “Thank you. I really needed that reminder.”

She nodded. “Is there anything else on your mind?” She glanced at her notes before looking back at me. “How’s work atBook Culture? And how are you adjusting to being away from your family?”

“Work’s been great. I’ve already gotten positive feedback from customers and my manager. It’s nice to feel appreciated, like I’m actually making a difference.”

Her smile warmed. “That’s wonderful. It sounds like you’re finding fulfillment there.”

I nodded. “Yeah, it’s been a pleasant surprise. As for being away from my family, I miss them, of course, but I feel like it was time for me to step out on my own. Some days, the distance hits harder than others, but I’m managing.”

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