Willow's mind was reeling as she tried to process her mother's words. Growing apart? What did that even mean? She felt like she was losing her grip on the world around her.
Rachel seemed to sense Willow's confusion and took her hand in hers. "It's not your fault, sweetie," she said softly. "Sometimes, people just grow apart. It doesn't mean we don't love you anymore."
Willow nodded, trying to understand. But the words felt hollow, like a thin layer of ice covering a deep, dark chasm. She knew that her parents' problems were more complex than just growing apart.
As they sat there, the sun dipping below the horizon, Willow realized that she had a choice to make. She could let her parents' problems consume her, or she could find a way to rise above them.
But how? The question echoed in her mind like a refrain.
As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Willow knew that she had to take the first step. She had to find a way to heal, to mend the fractures in her own heart.