It was a beautiful Saturday evening, the kind Mia had craved for weeks. She relaxed in her small living room, nestled between her mom, who sat on the couch absorbed in their favorite Mexican soap opera, and Samantha, settled on the floor with a bowl of popcorn. For once, the world felt distant, her problems tucked away in some unreachable corner.
Her phone buzzed on the side table, pulling her out of her brief escape. She ignored it at first, letting it buzz again before finally glancing at the screen.
It was Zac Cornell.
Her heart sank as she closed her eyes briefly, inhaling to steady herself, then stood and walked toward the kitchen counter. She hesitated before answering, knowing Zac never called unless it was important—or inconvenient.
“Hello, Sir,” she said, keeping her tone ligh
