Ava

Clara's apartment was a cozy haven, filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food and the soft hum of our favorite songs playing in the background. We had spent the afternoon laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's company. Then, she invited me over to her place. To be honest, I wasn't even ready to go home yet.

As we sat down to eat, I suddenly started coughing, my eyes watering. "Too much chili," I managed to say, and she quickly pushed a glass toward me. Without thinking, I took it and took a sip, hoping to soothe the itch in my throat.

But as the liquid slid down,...