peeked through the lace curtain that she had thrifted a year ago, her hea

y, the exact opposite of Nadia who preferred the calming rhythm of her flour-dusted

ersistent. Three rings turned into a rhythmic barrage, acc

rged in, a wide grin plastered on her face. "T

day off. Me, my bed and my book. What br

here's a huge party at Sarah's tonight! Ever

shing lights, and an overwhelming number of people. On the contrary, it made Nadia nau

-" Nadia began, bu

een out in ages. It'll be good for you!" Elina g

gently. "Elina, you kno

why you need to come. Step outside your

, a symbol of her comfort zone. She was exp

flicker of guilt sparked within her. Elina was always there for her, dragging her out of ba

he letter. Because she can't get the thing

inally conceded. "

hanged. We're going to be fashionably late, of course." Elina winked before dashing to

be her cup of tea, but spending time with Elina, was always a recipe for

stomach as she surveyed the meager contents of her closet. Elina's

rm of a baker comfortable in her flour-dusted haven. Just as she was about to concede defea

of its own. Her mother's favorite color. Memories flooded back – her

nd of evening. Not just a night out, but a connection, a way to carry a piece of her mother with her. With trembling hands, she lifted th

gainst the worn floorboards. "So, are you almost done? Sarah's party

g through. She took a deep breath, suddenly feeling a flutter of nerves.

alled back, her voice

ia threw open the door. Elina's mouth hung open, a loo

voice devoid of its usual t