“These past years, I've just been drifting, feeling so utterly useless. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life, Melissa.”

In that moment, Melissa couldn't help but see a parallel between Jessie and Minnie, the innocent puppy, both seemingly lost.

She responded with a gentle reassurance, "You're selling yourself short, Jessie. You're young, vibrant, and full of potential."

Jessie's response was a mix of sorrow and sarcasm. "Please, Melissa, don't treat me like a child. I'm far from being your little boy."

Melissa offered a weak smile, her thoughts briefly touching her own complicated situation with Marcus.