ROSALINE

As I sat there, recounting every detail of the previous night to Ava, from Harry to Gerald, a sudden interruption shattered the heaviness in the air. It was my phone ringing.

I glanced at it and a call from Gerald's mother flashed across my screen. I hesitated for a moment, uncertain whether to take it, and Ava looked at me, perhaps trying to read the surprise off my face.

"Should I take this?" I asked, flashing the screen to Ava's face, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Ava's eyes met mine with a reassuring nod. "Yeah, go ahead. Maybe it's important." She knew how well I avoided Gerald's mother like...