Melena sat curled up on the living-room sofa of the apartment she shared with Hazel, both hands wrapped around a steaming mug of tea. She had just finished a long shower and dinner, and for the first time all day, she felt like she could finally breathe. Then Hazel dropped onto the cushion beside her and pointed at the cream-colored envelope sitting on the coffee table.
“So, are we actually going to talk about that invitation, or are you just going to keep staring at it like it might explode?” Hazel asked, narrowing her eyes at the envelope.
Melena glanced at it. “Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised.”
Hazel laughed. “So you are going?”
Melena picked up her mug again and took a slow sip. “I haven't decided.”
“You're lying.”
Melena sighed. “Fine. I'm going. Delilah invited me to their en
