As the day wore on I got more and more upset. I stayed in my room the whole time, trying to study and both hoping for and dreading Mitch getting home. But when the door opened, and I looked at the smiling face of my best friend, all my resolve broke.

"Hey, Cindy. What a drive." Her face was tired, without her customary grin.

"Hi." I stood up as Mitch dropped her bag on our bed. I took a hesitant step forward. "You okay?"

A tired smile. "Yeah. Long weekend. It's good to be home, though."

"I'm glad you're back." My voice cracked as I said it. Mitch's face was...