Chasing Light Through Darkness By Caleb Snow 35

Chasing Light Through Darkness By Caleb Snow 35 Summary

Six years had passed quickly, and as Annabeth returned to the present, she noticed Selena happily choosing fireworks that spelled out her name in the sky. Selena excitedly asked Jeffrey to recreate the same fireworks he had set off for Annabeth years ago, expressing her affection openly. They planned to have dinner at a cozy French restaurant near Yale, a favorite spot for Selena and Jeffrey.

 

During dinner, Selena inquired about Annabeth’s current work situation. When Annabeth admitted she was unemployed, Selena offered help, suggesting a cleaning job at Yale that she thought would suit Annabeth. Jeffrey seemed slightly uncomfortable with Selena’s bluntness but reassured Annabeth that she shouldn’t take it personally. Annabeth politely declined the offer, indicating she was managing fine despite her situation.

 

The mood shifted when Annabeth’s phone rang, and it was her husband, Alexander Glass, who mentioned picking up their daughter and joining her for dinner. Selena and Jeffrey were surprised and suspicious to learn that Annabeth was married, with Selena standing abruptly and Jeffrey questioning why Annabeth would pretend otherwise. This revelation introduced tension and confusion into the gathering, highlighting the complex emotions and misunderstandings between the characters.

 

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below

In the blink of an eye, six years had slipped away.

As my mind gradually drifted back to the present moment, I noticed that Selena had already finished selecting the fireworks with a bright smile on her face.

“I want this one—the Ocean Tears!” she announced enthusiastically. “Darling, I want the same kind you set off for Annabeth back then, the ones that explode in the sky and spell out my name. Please write, ‘I Love You, Selena.’”

Jeffrey responded with an affectionate grin, nodding in agreement with every one of her wishes.

Before long, they decided on a cozy French restaurant near Yale University for dinner.

“Annabeth, this place is amazing. Jeffrey and I come here all the time,” Selena said excitedly, holding the menu open as if to share a secret. “You probably haven’t been here in ages, right?”

I managed a faint smile. “I got a bit tired of French food while I was abroad, so you two just pick whatever you want.”

I had heard that after graduation, Selena struggled to find a job. Thankfully, Jeffrey had used his connections to get her a position at the university.

Everyone seemed to admire them as the perfect couple. Hearing that, I simply lowered my gaze and smiled quietly to myself.

It reminded me that people’s opinions are only worth half your attention—you shouldn’t take them too seriously.

Selena’s eyes flicked over my outfit with a complicated look. “Annabeth, what kind of work are you doing now?”

I hesitated briefly, then answered honestly, “I don’t have a job at the moment.”

Her expression immediately showed she had been expecting that response.

She sighed softly. “We were really sorry about what happened back then. If you’re unemployed, Jeffrey and I can help. I heard Yale is hiring cleaners right now, and I think you’d be perfect for it…”

Jeffrey’s brow furrowed slightly. “Selena!”

“What’s wrong, honey? Did I say something wrong?” Selena replied with an innocent smile.

She went on, “I was just trying to be kind. Annabeth clearly hasn’t been doing well these past few years, and I wanted to offer some help.”

Seeing that I didn’t object, Jeffrey said nothing more but leaned toward me and whispered, “Selena always speaks so bluntly. Don’t take it personally.”

I gave a small, ambiguous smile. “Thank you, but there’s really no need to worry about my situation.”

Just then, my phone rang. It was my husband, Alexander Glass. His voice was warm and familiar. “Annabeth, I just picked up our daughter from school. Where are you? Didn’t you say you were craving some hot Nashville food? I’ll bring Thalia and meet you there.”

My voice softened as I replied, “Okay, I’m at the French restaurant across from Yale.”

After I hung up, they both looked at me with curious, almost suspicious expressions.

“Annabeth, don’t you have any family in this city? Who was on the phone just now?” Selena asked.

I couldn’t help but smile again. “My husband.”

The couple froze instantly. Selena’s surprise was so obvious she stood up abruptly and exclaimed, “Annabeth, you’re married?”

Jeffrey’s face suddenly went pale. “Annabeth, you don’t have to pretend like this. If you’re single, just say so. Why lie?”

Conclusion

 

The chapter delicately captures the complex emotions that linger beneath the surface of old acquaintances reunited. Annabeth’s quiet resilience and subtle grace in the face of Selena and Jeffrey’s assumptions reveal a strength forged through years of hardship and self-discovery. Their well-meaning yet intrusive offers of help contrast sharply with Annabeth’s own sense of dignity and the private life she has built away from their gaze, reminding us that appearances often mask deeper truths.

 

This moment of revelation, where Annabeth calmly asserts her reality despite their disbelief, underscores the themes of identity, misunderstanding, and the quiet power of personal truth. It leaves us with a poignant reflection on how the past shapes us but does not define us, and how the courage to live authentically can illuminate even the darkest chapters of our lives.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

In the next chapter, tensions simmer beneath the surface as Annabeth’s carefully guarded life begins to unravel in front of Selena and Jeffrey. The revelation of her marriage introduces a new layer of complexity to their interactions, stirring a mix of surprise, skepticism, and perhaps even resentment. As the facade cracks, emotions long buried might resurface, forcing each character to confront truths they had hoped to avoid.

 

Expect a subtle yet intense exploration of trust and misunderstanding, where Annabeth must navigate not only the judgments of those around her but also her own vulnerabilities. The delicate balance between past grievances and present realities will likely lead to moments of raw honesty and unexpected revelations, setting the stage for deeper conflicts and emotional reckonings. The next chapter promises to peel back the layers of these intertwined lives, leaving readers eager to discover what lies beneath the surface.