Louisa:

A day later, it was Melisa's birthday. So she invited us. It's been awhile since I've seen her, actually. A month. She went for therapy– not with Ryan's sister– and she's extremely busy. I went over to her place to see her. I'll help with the preparation for the birthday party.

"Hey sweetheart!" I greeted genially, getting in."Happy birthday!"

"Thank you!" Melisa laughed, her voice sounding different, more subdued.

As we hugged, I couldn't help but notice the change in her. Everything about her seemed to have shifted - the way she laughed, the way she carried herself. She was no longer the effusive, crazy Melisa I used to...