Tonia's POV
Samantha was pacing outside her apartment building when I pulled up. Her face was etched with concern, her sharp eyes tracking my every movement as I climbed out of the car.
"Ma'am, are you alright? When you called asking if I was home, you sounded..." She trailed off, studying my face.
My hands trembled as I locked the car. I prayed she wouldn't notice.
"Can we just go inside?"
"Of course."
She guided me through the entrance into her cozy two-bedroom space. The familiar warmth of her home should have been comforting, but my chest still felt tight.
My purse hit the floor with a thud as I collapsed onto her sofa.
"Water?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice. My throat felt raw, like invisible hands were squeezing it shut. Every breath was a struggle. Suzanne's words kept echoing in my mind, threatening to shatter what little composure I had left.
