The living room smelled faintly of vanilla candles and buttered popcorn. A blanket was already draped across the couch, oversized mugs of tea sat steaming on the low coffee table, and Carolina had just finished queueing up the romantic drama they’d chosen for the night. Katherine was curled up at the far end of the couch, legs tucked beneath her, arms wrapped around a throw pillow like it was the only thing anchoring her to this world.
Carolina plopped beside her with a little sigh and grinned. “Okay, snacks, check. Movie, check. Emotional support system, double check.”
Katherine laughed weakly. “Don’t say that like you’re not the one supporting me tonight.”
Carolina tilted her head, reading her friend’s face. “You’ve been off since you walked in. What’s going on?”
Katherine’s smile fa
