Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Chapter 417

Nathalie was lost in her thoughts, a tightness gripping her throat. Lizzy had lied to her. Who could possibly love her? It felt like no one ever had.

She shoved the window open, letting the fresh air slap her face. Raindrops soaked through her clothes, chilling her to the bone. Lizzy glanced over nervously, "What's going on?"

Nathalie lifted a hand to silence her, struggling to catch her breath. She climbed out of the car and staggered forward into the rain, tripping on the steps and landing hard on the ground. What a mess.

Her mind drifted back to a childhood memory, a tumble she took at Rainbow Bridge. Laden with too many water bottles, she'd often trip and fall. But she'd always pick herself up with a laugh and keep going.

She'd once swiped water bottles from other beggars' spots, sparking chases that honed her long-distance running skills, though she'd taken plenty of spills along the way. Strong as she was, no fall ever made her cry. Except for one. That was the time she found a kindred spirit, a child as unfortunate as she was, snatched by traffickers and starved until he was all skin and bones. They'd dressed him up as a beggar and dumped him there. She knew he wasn't a real beggar because his eyes were like stars, bright enough to pierce the darkest night. Under the traffickers' watchful gaze, she whisked him away, sprinting with him on her back. But she was weak and malnourished, and it wasn't long before she face-planted.

She knew the traffickers were on her tail, so she dashed through the streets, zigzagging through alleys until she finally lost them...

spark of realization lit up Nathalie's eyes. It was here she had found the boy. She had

a year-a kid so stunningly beautiful and impossibly smart. But sadly, one day, he

all good things must

always accepted the ebb and flow of life, yet deep down, she still wished. How amazing

back

hurried over with an umbrella, looking worried. "You're not

the rain," she well.

with most

umbrella.

giving me a friend like

she spoke,