TERAH saw Mariah staring at the ceiling when she arrived. The television was playing on in the background. Different snacks were scattered on the table. Some were even on the floor, but Mariah seemed not to see it.

Mariah was a mess. Her hair looked like a bird's nest. She was wearing pajamas, but she was doubtful if it was new.

"Mariah?" she called.

The woman wasn't able to hear her call, so she just entered. She told Terah her passcode. According to her, if she wanted to sleep over, she could do it. Freely. The woman wouldn't mind.

Mariah looked up. "You came." She got up. It finally dawned...