My name is Isabella, but folks around here call me Bella. I arrived in this charming little town just over five months ago. After completing my graduate studies in another state, I was searching for a peaceful haven where I could gather my thoughts, contemplate my future, and perhaps heal from a challenging chapter I had just closed—a time marred by heartbreak, unfulfilled career goals, and the feeling of having disappointed my late mother’s dreams. The town, with its rhythm and friendly people, seemed like the perfect place to find refuge.
Since my arrival, I’ve watched my neighbors from a respectful distance. Some waved from their driveways, while others offered polite hellos as they walked their dogs, but the interactions felt somewhat shallow—courteous but distant. That’s the way of small-town life: people take time to warm up to newcomers.