"Crap, let me make sure I got everything..." Caroline muttered, pacing around her room with a checklist in hand. Purse? Check. Money? Check. Phone, keys? Check. She paused in front of the mirror, smoothing out her hair and smiling warmly at her reflection. "D'accord, okay! It's time to finally get out there. I'm ready to show the world that I'm alive and prospering!" With a deep breath, she swung the door open and stepped outside, the sun warming her face as she headed out. Today's mission was simple yet meaningful: grab a new book and some fresh muffins, a treat to mark her return to the world.

It had been months since she'd ventured out like this. Caroline had spent what felt like an eternity shut away in her apartment, nursing the wounds of a relationship she thought would last forever. She loved her partner deeply, but the constant fear of infidelity had torn her apart. Every late night, every friend's hangout sparked suspicion, leading to arguments that often ended with her realizing she'd overreacted. It was exhausting—for both of them. So, she did what she thought was best: she ended it. Right person, wrong time, she told herself. But that didn't make it hurt any less. The heartbreak plunged her into a deep depression, one where even getting out of bed was a monumental task. But today marked the end of that chapter. Today, she was ready to move forward.

As she made her way to the bakery, the smell of freshly baked goods filled the air, immediately lifting her spirits. Muffins had always been her weakness, a treat her ex always used to surprise her with. The thought made her chest ache, but she quickly shook it off. "You're stronger than this, Caroline," she whispered, determined not to let old memories derail her.