Emma stumbled through the door of Tina's apartment, her professional facade crumbling the moment she crossed the threshold. The weight of the day's emotions - the constant struggle to maintain composure at work, the unexpected confrontation with Mark, and the ever-present ache of Tom's perceived betrayal - came crashing down on her all at once.
Tina, who had been curled up on the couch with a book, immediately set it aside at the sight of her friend's distress. "Em? What happened?"
Emma's lower lip trembled as she tried to form words, but all that came out was a choked sob. In an instant, Tina was by her side, wrapping her arms around Emma and guiding her to the couch.
"Oh, sweetie," Tina murmured, rubbing soothing circles on Emma's back. "Let it out. I'm here."
And Emma did. All the t
