The day had dragged on longer than either of them thought possible. By the time Elena and Sofia finally stumbled back into their tiny apartment, their limbs felt like lead. Their uniforms clung to their skin, still carrying the faint smell of cleaning products and sweat. Their faces looked pale, as though the weight of the whole world was pressing them down.
Elena dropped her bag by the door with a dull thud. The sound echoed through the small, quiet apartment. She kicked off her shoes, her toes aching, and rubbed her sore calves before walking into the living room.
Sofia didn’t even bother pretending she had the strength to change. She fell onto the couch face-first, groaning, then pulled a pillow under her arm like a child.
“God,” she mumbled into the cushion, her voice muffled, “I ca
