Chapter 4: Finding Her Footing
Belinda’s days in the coastal town settled into a rhythm. She woke up early, often to the sound of seagulls and the distant crash of waves. Her mornings were spent at the community center, where she had become a familiar and beloved face. The kids adored her, and the other volunteers appreciated her dedication. For the first time in a long time, Belinda felt like she was making a difference—not just in her own life, but in the lives of others.
One afternoon, as she was helping a group of children with a painting project, Martha walked in with a man Belinda didn’t recognize. He was tall, with a kind face and a camera slung over his shoulder.
“Belinda, this is Daniel,” Martha said, introducing him. “He’s a photographer who’s been working on a project about the town. He’s looking for someone to help him capture the spirit of the community. I thought of you.”
Belinda blinked, surprised. “Me? But I’m not a photographer.”
Daniel smiled. “Martha tells me you’ve got an eye for art. I’ve seen the murals you’ve been working on with the kids—they’re incredible. I could use someone with your creativity to help me tell the story of this place.”
Belinda hesitated. She had never thought of herself as someone who could contribute to something like this. But then she remembered the child who had called her an artist just a few days ago. Maybe it was time to stop doubting herself.
“I’d love to help,” she said finally.
Over the next few weeks, Belinda threw herself into the project. She and Daniel spent hours walking through the town, talking to locals, and capturing moments that defined the community. Belinda found herself falling in love with the process—the way a single photograph could tell a story, the way light and shadow could transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary.
Daniel was easy to work with. He was patient, encouraging, and always willing to explain the technical aspects of photography. Belinda soaked it all up, eager to learn. She started carrying a small notebook with her, jotting down ideas for shots and sketching scenes she wanted to capture.
One evening, as they were reviewing the day’s photos, Daniel turned to her and said, “You’ve got a real talent for this, Belinda. Have you ever thought about pursuing it professionally?”
Belinda laughed nervously. “I don’t know. I’ve never really thought of myself as… well, as anything, really.”
Daniel tilted his head, studying her. “Why not? You’ve got the eye, the creativity, and the passion. That’s more than most people have.”
His words stayed with her long after they parted ways that night. For the first time, Belinda allowed herself to dream—not just about helping with Daniel’s project, but about what she could do on her own. What if she could turn this into something more? What if she could build a life doing something she loved?
The idea took root, and Belinda began to explore it. She started taking her own photos, experimenting with different techniques and styles. She even set up a small online portfolio, showcasing her work. The response was encouraging. People loved her unique perspective, the way she captured the essence of the town and its people.
One day, as she was scrolling through the comments on her latest post, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was an email from a local magazine, asking if she’d be interested in contributing to an upcoming feature about coastal towns.
Belinda’s heart raced as she read the email. This was it—her first real opportunity. She quickly replied, agreeing to the project. As she hit send, she felt a surge of excitement and pride. This was her chance to prove to herself—and to the world—that she was more than the woman Lucas had left behind.
That night, Belinda sat by the window, her laptop open in front of her. She scrolled through her photos, marveling at how far she had come in such a short time. She thought about the woman she had been just a few months ago—broken, lost, and unsure of her worth. And then she thought about the woman she was becoming—strong, creative, and full of hope.
She opened a new document and began to type. It was a letter to herself, a reminder of how far she had come and how much further she could go.
“Dear Belinda,” she wrote. “You are not defined by your past. You are not defined by the people who hurt you. You are strong, you are talented, and you are worthy of love and happiness. Keep going. The best is yet to come.”
As she saved the document and closed her laptop, Belinda felt a sense of peace. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she was excited to find out. She was no longer running away from her old life. She was running toward a new one—one she was building for herself, one step at a time.