When I woke up, the sharp scent of disinfectant filled my nose. I struggled to sit up.

A short-haired woman with earrings helped me up.

My voice was weak, my eyes brimming with tears. "It's you..."

It was Candice, my best friend from years ago. But I had cut ties with her because Ken didn't like her. Seven years had passed without any contact.

"What’s wrong? Not happy to see me?" she asked wryly. "Or are you disappointed because it’s not Ken?”

Candice stood up, seemingly ready to leave. I grabbed her, and as she stumbled, I held her tight. "No... it's not that..."

As soon as I embraced her,...