The evening air was cool, the soft hum of the city outside a constant backdrop to Maya’s turbulent thoughts. The living room was bathed in a warm, golden light, but the illumination did little to chase away the shadows in her mind. The conversation with Ezekiel had left her feeling raw and conflicted. His earnest pleas and promises of change seemed at odds with the betrayal she had endured. The sound of the doorbell rang through the silence, jarring her from her brooding. She hesitated for a moment before moving to answer.
Sofia stood on the other side, her eyes full of concern. Without a word, she enveloped Maya in a comforting hug. Maya could feel the warmth and reassurance that had been so desperately lacking in her life lately.
“Hey,” Sofia said softly as they pulled apart, her tone
