"I fought with Olivia."
Sarah tensed. "Oh no. Did she—?"
"She packed the whole house."
Sarah sat upright. "She what?"
I just shook my head against her. "Took everything and by everything I mean her stupid husband and the kids. Left the keys on the counter. I came home and it was just… silent. And I don't—I can't—" I stopped. Swallowed. "I didn't know where to go."
She pulled me into her lap like we were back in college and I was drunk crying over some asshole who ghosted me after two dates.
"Okay," she whispered. "Okay. I'm here baby. You're safe. Breathe."
I did.
Barely.
Sarah eventually peeled herself off the couch with a soft groan, muttering something about baths and pajamas that would make me feel better. I didn't move.
I didn't even look up, just listened to her steps disappear into the hallway, her voice trailing behind her about the lavender salts being "actually magic" and the only thing that ever convinced her not to burn her entire life down.
