---- Chapter 7 Friend At Work Yvonne and I went on a trip to the countryside. Once Winona was out of my life, I started finding my way back to who I used to be. I woke up from my dream. I could think for myself again and could seek out the things I once lost. Yvonne was cheering like a bird that got out of its cage. She was always this happy, lively girl. She was always smiling whenever she was around me. Oddly, that reminded me of something. "She's gentle, quiet, and would never yell at me. She never calls me a fool, a moron, or an imbecile. She never shouts at me or tells me to shut up just because she wants to. "She listens to me and offers me nothing but kindness. She would never make me feel like I'm all that is wrong with her life." It was liberating. Liberating? That was something I never knew. I was a little scared of it as well. My childhood home had been deserted for years. It ---- was on the verge of crumbling down. We had no choice but to stay at Yvonne's grandmother's. We cooked with wood and fire, and the ash stuck to our faces like stubborn grease. We laughed and giggled as we tossed potatoes into the glowing embers. Like children, we sat around the scalding ashes, waiting for the potatoes to cook. Once they were done, we grabbed it and bit into it like impatient children. That burned our tongues. Yvonne's grandmother grumbled, "You're still just like the children I know. Honestly, how are you two going to be adults to your own kids?" I was going to say something, but Yvonne elbowed me. She quietly said, "Grandma's getting more senile with every passing year. Just play along, or she's going to get confused if you try to argue." I nodded quickly. Days went by, and I was feeling like a new person at ---- the end of the holiday. I was like a wolf that'd broken out of its chain. Nothing could hold me back anymore. We got back to the city, and Yvonne muttered about how she didn't want to get an internship. I laughed. " You're already coming up with ideas to slack off before you start your job?" Yvonne looked at me. "I know. Why don't you care for me?" I laughed and ruffled her hair. "Or you can work with me. I'll write that letter of confirmation for you, and you can sleep in as long as you want." Yvonne's eyes lit up, and she cheered. I shook my head and drove back to my company. She might be a fun-loving girl, but that didn't mean she was a slacker. Once we were through with the hiring process, she started to learn how to do her job. Meticulously, if I might add. If she thought it was too troublesome for her colleagues, she would save that question and come to me for answers when I was done with work. ---- Eventually, I realized Yvonne knew me better than anyone. The moment I started having any worries, she'd pull me out of work to let my hair down and toss all my stress into the bin. No matter where, no matter when, she was always gentle and soft-spoken with me. Her eyes would always twinkle with delight. We got a new project to work on, and when we were done with work, it was already late at night. I drove her home. It was quiet on the way back. Yvonne was staring out her window, preoccupied. I did not break the silence, nor did I want to. Title: ReelTalk EP8- From Hinge to Unhinged Join host Rachel Bencosme as she delves into Sarah's dating escapades in the latest episode of ReelTalk. This installment explores the turbulent realm of dating apps and much more. In this captivating episode, Sarah navigates the highs and lows of modern romance, shedding light on the complexities of virtual connections. Rachel's probing questions reveal the raw emotions behind Sarah's quest for love in a digital age. ReelTalk EP8 stands out for its candid portrayal of the challenges faced by today's singles, offering a glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of online dating. Dive into this riveting narrative and witness Sarah's journey unfold on CrushReel. Experience the unfiltered emotions and relatable experiences that make ReelTalk EP8 a must-read for fans of romance. Available to read online at CrushReel, this episode promises a captivating exploration of love in the digital era.