I walked towards Brenda's apartment, shivering from the cold. Wrapping my arms tightly around myself, I pushed forward, each step feeling heavier. By the time I reached the door, I was almost frozen, the chill seeping deep into my bones.

I knocked, my knuckles weak against the wood, and it took a moment before the door finally swung open. Brenda stood there, her eyes widening the moment she saw me. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, pulling me into a tight hug, not caring that my soaked body would drench her clothes.

"Oh my God, V. I thought I wasn't going to see you again," she whispered, her voice thick with...