Emma opened the door to her apartment, the weight of the evening bearing down on her shoulders. The soft glow from the kitchen light spilled into the hallway, casting a warm, inviting hue that was the opposite of how she felt. As she stepped in, she caught the mouthwatering aroma of something delicious cooking on the stove. Tom was in the kitchen on an apron cooking dinner.
“Hey,” he greeted her softly, turning around. His eyes immediately looked concern as he took in her tear- stained face. She had been crying.
She barely managed a nod before her composure broke. Emma dropped her bag on the floor and rushed to him, sobbing uncontrollably. Tom’s arms wrapped around her, strong and comforting.
“I’m so sorry, Tom. I…I broke up with Mark,” she choked out between sobs, holding on to his sh
