It was already past nine in the evening when Claire returned home.
When her phone suddenly rang, she had just changed into her nightclothes, ready to call it a night. She picked it up and saw an unfamiliar number on the screen. Frowning slightly, she answered anyway.
"Hello, who's this?" Claire asked softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
From the other end came a cheerful voice, laced with a familiar warmth. "Claire, I'm back in the country! Come pick me up, quick!"
Claire paused for a moment, then immediately recognized the voice—it was Candy Taylor, her childhood best friend.
Candy had gone abroad for studies years ago, and after Claire got married, they had lost touch. Hearing Candy's voice now brought a spark of joy to Claire's heart, instantly lifting her weariness.
"Candy?
