Sydney had been observing the growing distance between herself and Larissa with a sense of unease that had settled in her chest. It dawned on her that this shift had begun around the time Larissa had started her new job. Perhaps stress was the culprit, Sydney mused, considering whether Larissa might need some support to ease her burdens. From her vantage point across the room, Sydney watched Larissa discreetly. Larissa sat on the couch, absentmindedly eating popcorn and staring at the television screen. To an outsider, it would appear that she was engrossed in the movie, but Sydney knew her well enough to discern the truth. Larissa's mind seemed miles away, lost in thoughts that clearly had nothing to do with the on-screen action.
"Hey Lar," Sydney called out gently, not wanting to startl
