A DISTANT HOPE
RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO
The Next Day
When Layla realized that her mind was so deep in thought that she missed a phone call on the hotel’s hospitality phone, she was both disheartened and relieved. Her body was still shaking from the anxiety of dealing with Leon the previous day. She had a wonderful experience boating to Palominitos Island, only to find that Leon’s controlling and overbearing jealousy destroyed another memory that should have been blissful and enduring. Her tattered iPhone was on the end table next to the hotel bed, indicative of the current state of their relationship. Despite her efforts to steady herself, the long sleepless night left her body weary and in need of encouragement. She decided to seek encouraging words from the only person that loved her u
