I knocked on her door, the sound echoing through the quiet street. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Lizzie herself. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and then she let out a joyful squeal, throwing her arms around me in a tight embrace.
"Nora! Is that really you?" Lizzie exclaimed, tears of happiness in her eyes as she held me close. "Oh, goddess, I can't believe it. You're here!"
I hugged her just as tightly, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging wash over me. "Yes, Lizzie, it's me," I replied with a genuine smile. "I've missed you so much."
Lizzie pulled back to look at me, her eyes scanning my face as if to confirm that I was real. "I really thought you were never coming home," she admitted, her voice quivering with emotion.
She held my cheeks tenderly, as if making sure I
