Ariel sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers curled around her phone as she listened to the familiar, comforting voice of her best friend, Anya. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light on her features, but her face was one of exhaustion.

Exhaustion that ran deeper than just the day.

“You sound tired, Ariel.” Anya’s voice held concern, her tone softer than usual.

Ariel sighed, pressing her fingertips to her temple. “It’s just… everything. Being back here, pretending, keeping up this charade with Johny. And then… my little pumpkin.”

Her voice wavered at the mention of him.

On the other end of the call,...