Celeste

I turned around and found myself face-to-face with a ghost from my past. Vera. My old coworker from the mall, from those weeks I’d spent away from home.

“Vera!” I almost screamed, genuine joy flooding through me for the first time in weeks. “Oh my God, how are you?”

“I’m good, but—” Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, her smile fading into concern. “Is everything alright, Celeste? You look... is there a problem?”

“No, no, I’m fine. Why would you ask that?” I forced brightness into my voice. “Let’s catch up! Do you have time?”

We went back into the coffee shop and found a small table...