Cynthia slammed the bedroom door shut, her breath coming in uneven gasps as she collapsed against it. Her chest ached, her throat felt raw, and no matter how much she tried to swallow back the sobs, they came pouring out, shaking her fragile frame. Tears streamed down her face, her body trembling as the weight of what had just happened hit her like a tidal wave.

She had lost herself. Again.

Letting out a choked sob, she scrambled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the only person she could turn to—Ava.

The phone barely rang twice before Ava’s voice filled the line, laced with concern. “Cyn? What’s...