LORETTA

By the time I got home, the knot that had been sitting in my chest since Elion's office had loosened a smidge

It wasn't fully gone, but it was somewhat manageable, besides I had other things to worry about tonight, namely: I was hosting my friends

My best friends and only friends.

The people who were there during the good years, the time before my mother's death and Abel's... sickness. Back when we used to have sleepovers and paint our toenails sparkly pink.

My smile wobbled, I've missed them so much. It's been a year and three months since the four of us were together in the same room,...