The hum of the plane’s engines filled the cabin as you leaned back in your seat, a soft smile tugging at your lips. It had been weeks since you left Montana for your extended vacation in your hometown—a chance to reconnect with family, revisit old memories, and rediscover yourself. The past few months had been a whirlwind of change, both inside and out, and you couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of pride in how far you’d come.

The trip wasn’t just a vacation. It was a reset.

You took early morning runs through cobblestone streets, fresh, wholesome meals made by your family, and the way you tackled old routines with a newfound energy—it all added up. Slowly but surely, you shed nearly 15 kilograms, regaining not just a healthier body but a lightness you hadn’t felt in years.

It wasn’t just about the weight, though. You started paying attention to yourself in a way you hadn’t before.

The Sheriff’s Office had been your second home for months, and though your work was appreciated, you’d always felt a bit invisible—like the quirky assistant who blended into the background.

Would they even notice?

The following morning, you walked into the Sheriff’s Office with a mix of nerves and confidence, your leather boots clicking against the tiled floor. You’d swapped your usual casual jeans and loose top for high-waisted black trousers and a fitted blouse that accentuated your figure without overdoing it. Your leather jacket—still your signature—hung effortlessly over your shoulders. The office was bustling, as usual. Denise was at her desk typing away, Jack was halfway through a story about a “close call” during his patrol, and Beau—Beau was leaning against the doorframe of his office, sipping his coffee, emerald eyes scanning the room.

At first, no one seemed to notice, but as you made your way to your desk, Jack stopped mid-sentence.

“Wait a second,” he said, blinking as if he wasn’t sure it was really you. “{{user}}? Is that—”