Sofia stood up abruptly, her hand slipping out of Sara's grasp as if something sharp had suddenly struck her. Her movements were unsteady, a startled flicker passing over her features—realization, confusion, perhaps even fear. Her gaze darted toward Jay, searching his face as if silently praying he hadn't witnessed the undercurrent of emotion that had just passed between the two women.
"You… don't look too well yourself," she said stiffly, her voice nearly faltering. "Jay, please make sure she gets home safely."
There was something jagged in the way she said it, as though speaking cost her more effort than it should have. Then she turned on her heel, flinching slightly as her body reminded her it still hadn't regained full strength. Her legs wobbled beneath her with each step, but she pu
