THREE WEEKS LATER
Natalie and Connie sat side-by-side on the bench, munching quietly on their takeout food. Connie had brought Natalie to her little quiet spot on the reservoir near their apartment, which overlooked the ocean. It was an overcast day, but the weather was warm as the salty ocean breeze blew through their hair.
Connie stole a sideways glance over at Natalie, who picked at her food absentmindedly with her chopsticks. Natalie let out a long sigh as she sat with her shoulders hunched.
“That’s it!” Connie exclaimed, making Natalie blink up at her in surprise.
“What?”
“You are so sad all the time!” she scolded her. “You need to feel better now!”
“I can’t just feel better at the snap of your fingers,” Natalie shot back.
“I mean that you must take care of yourself,” repli
