Victoria sat in the quiet corner of the living room, her phone pressed to her ear as she spoke to Sophie. Her best friend’s voice was a welcome distraction, the kind of conversation she needed in the middle of a day that had felt heavier than usual.

They laughed about old memories and exchanged stories about their respective lives, and for a moment, Victoria could almost forget the knot of frustration and loneliness that had settled in her chest.

“Hey, Vic,” Sophie said with a playful tone. “You sure you’re doing okay? You’ve been awfully quiet lately, even for you.”

Victoria smiled softly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes....