Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren)

After lunch, Ethan arranged for Clara to stay at a small inn in town.

"The school dorms are still being cleaned. It might take a couple of days before you can move in," he said, handing her his contact information. "Let me know if you need anything."

Clara shook her head. "Mr. Stone, I'm planning to rent a small house with a yard instead. I'd prefer not to stay in the dorms. I just don't know the area well. Do you know where I could find one?" Ethan wasn't surprised. The dorm was just a small room with minimal comforts. For someone planning to stay long-term, renting a house was a better choice.

"I'll ask around for you and let you know if I find anything. You've had a long day, so I won't keep you. Get some rest," he said.

"Thank you, Mr. Stone. I really appreciate it," Clara replied, smiling as she saw him out.

The inn was simple but clean, with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Sunlight poured through the window, chasing away the lingering chill.

Clara took off her coat, revealing a black brace wrapped around her right wrist. A faint ache pulsed beneath it, and her expression tensed.

Even though she had been discharged from the hospital, her injury hadn't fully healed. She still needed time to recover. Day-to-day tasks weren't a problem, but she doubted her hand would ever regain the dexterity it once had. The thought of never being able to draw again left her eyes clouded with disappointment.

Clara rubbed her temples, suddenly realizing she hadn't called Katrina to check in. She fished her phone from her coat pocket and quickly dialed Katrina's number.

Katrina was still at the office, having not returned to the Zachman residence the night before. She picked up right away. "Clara."noveldrama

"Aunt Katrina, I'm here," Clara said, keeping her voice light. "It's nice here. The school arranged a place for me to stay, so you don't have to worry."

Katrina, who had spent the night worrying, finally felt a sense of relief. However, the feeling was short-lived. A flicker of guilt crossed her face.

Until Clara had told her about the teaching program, Katrina had no idea she had even applied. If Clara hadn't mentioned it, she might have left quietly without saying a word.

Now that it was settled, Katrina didn't see the point in bringing it up. "I'm glad you made it. Just be careful over there. Call me if anything happens, okay?" she said.

"Of course. Don't worry about me," Clara replied, pausing briefly. "Aunt Katrina, what about you? What will you do now that I'm gone?"

There was silence on the other end.

"I'll be fine, Clara. Just take care of yourself," Katrina responded calmly.

Clara could tell she didn't want to say more and let out a soft sigh. She had long been aware of Katrina's struggles in the Zachman family but had never found the right time to bring it up.

She thought her leaving might give Katrina a chance to finally focus on herself, but fate had other plans. Uthurnia felt far away now.

"Aunt Katrina, I just want you to put yourself first for once. You've spent your whole life sacrificing for me and my mom. You deserve to live your own life now. Please don't let me hold you back," Clara sincerely said.