The candles had burned lower, the room warmer now, the air thick with the kind of honesty that only comes after a long week and a second glass of wine.
Sarah pulled her knees closer to her chest on the grey sectional, blanket wrapped around her like armor. Jada was sprawled on the floor, Maya curled sideways in the armchair, and Kate sat upright on the ottoman, hands folded neatly in her lap.
Sarah took a breath — the kind that shakes a little on the way out.
"I need to explain something," she said quietly. "Because it's not just that I don't want marriage. It's why."
Jada nodded. "Go on."
Sarah stared at the candle flame. "Marriage can suck for a woman. And I don't mean the wedding or the romance or the idea of partnership. I mean the reality."
Maya hummed in agreement. "Say it."
Sarah continued, voice steadying. "I've watched women get married and suddenly everything becomes their responsibility. They're the emotional managers. The planners. The cleaners. The ones who remember birthdays, schedule appointments, keep the house running, keep the relationship running. Meanwhile the man gets praised for doing the bare minimum."
Jada snapped her fingers. "Exactly. A man washes one dish and suddenly he's 'helping.'"
Maya added, "And if the woman doesn't do it, she's 'nagging' or 'ungrateful.'"
Sarah nodded. "I don't want that life. I don't want to wake up one day and realize I've become someone's mother instead of their partner."
Kate shifted, but stayed quiet.
Sarah went on. "And I want more. I want new experiences. I want to travel, try new things, meet new people, figure out who I am outside of a relationship. I've been with Noah since college. I've never had a life that wasn't tied to someone else's routine."
Maya raised her glass. "You deserve to explore."
Jada clinked hers. "You deserve to breathe."
Sarah exhaled. "I don't want to be trapped in a life I didn't choose just because it's the 'next step.' I want to choose my life. Fully."
Kate finally spoke.
"I hear you," she said softly. "But I don't think marriage automatically sucks for women."
Jada groaned. "Here she go."
Kate ignored her. "Marriage can be beautiful. It can be empowering. It can be a partnership where both people show up equally."
Maya raised a brow. "In theory."
"No," Kate said firmly. "In real life. My sister and her husband run a business together. They split everything — chores, finances, emotional labor. They travel, they grow, they support each other's dreams."
She held up a finger. "My parents? Thirty years married. They put each other through school, bought a house, raised kids, and still go on dates every Friday."
Another finger. "My cousin and her wife. They just adopted a baby. They're thriving. They communicate, they share responsibilities, they're building a family together."
Jada rolled her eyes. "That's cute. But that's not everyone."
Kate nodded. "Of course not. But bad marriages don't erase the good ones. Some women build entire empires with their partners. Some feel more free with someone who supports them than they ever did alone."
Sarah looked down at her hands. "I'm not saying marriage can't be good. I just… don't feel like it's for me. Not now."
Kate softened. "And that's okay. But don't let fear be the only reason you say no. Don't let other people's marriages define what yours could be."
Maya leaned forward. "But Noah is… Noah. He's routine. He's structure. He's a planner."
Jada added, "And Sarah is vibes."
Sarah laughed weakly. "Exactly. I love him, but I don't want to lose myself in his world."
The room fell quiet — heavy, warm, and full of love.
Sarah leaned back into the couch, heart pounding. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring. She didn't know what Noah was planning.
But she knew one thing:
She wasn't ready for the life he might be about to ask her for.
Kate leaned forward on the ottoman, eyes sharp but not unkind. "I hear everything you're saying, Sarah. But I think you're being unfair to Noah."
Jada scoffed. "Unfair? Girl, please."
Kate didn't flinch. "Noah keeps up with his priorities. He handles his responsibilities inside and outside the house. He pays bills on time, he cleans, he cooks, he supports Sarah's career, he shows up emotionally. He's not one of those men who expects a woman to carry everything."
Maya crossed her arms. "That's the bare minimum."
"No," Kate said firmly. "That's partnership. That's effort. That's consistency. And not every man gives that."
Sarah shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not saying he's a bad partner. He's amazing. But marriage—"
Kate cut in gently. "Marriage with Noah wouldn't be the nightmare you're describing. He's already doing the work. He's already showing up. He's not the type to dump everything on you."
Jada sat up straighter. "Kate, you're missing the point. Marriage changes people. It changes dynamics. It changes expectations."
Maya added, "And women always end up carrying more. Always."
Kate shook her head. "Not always. Not with the right person. Not with someone who respects you."
Jada rolled her eyes. "You're living in a Disney movie."
"And you're living in a trauma response," Kate shot back — not cruel, but blunt.
The room went still.
Maya's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
Kate held her ground. "You're basing your opinions on bad marriages you've seen. I'm basing mine on good ones I've witnessed. Both exist."
Sarah rubbed her forehead. "Guys, please—"
But the argument was already rolling.
Jada pointed at Kate. "You don't get it. Marriage is a trap for women. Society expects us to sacrifice everything."
Kate countered, "And Noah has never asked Sarah to sacrifice anything. He encourages her to grow. He supports her independence. He's not controlling. He's not lazy. He's not entitled."
Maya scoffed. "That's now. People change."
Kate didn't back down. "And sometimes they change for the better. My parents grew together. My sister and her husband built a business together. My cousin and her wife built a family together. Marriage can be a foundation, not a cage."
Jada shook her head. "You're romanticizing it."
"And you're catastrophizing it," Kate replied.
Sarah's heart pounded. She felt pulled in two directions — the fear of losing herself, and the guilt of knowing Noah wasn't the villain in this story.
Maya leaned forward, voice rising. "You're acting like Sarah owes him marriage because he's a good guy."
Kate's voice stayed calm but firm. "She doesn't owe him anything. But she does owe him honesty. And she owes herself the chance to consider that maybe — just maybe — marriage with the right person doesn't have to be the end of her freedom."
Jada threw her hands up. "Girl, freedom ends the moment you sign that paper."
Kate shook her head. "Freedom ends when you choose the wrong partner. Not when you choose commitment."
The room fell silent again — thick, tense, electric.
Sarah finally spoke, voice small. "I don't know what I want. I just know I'm scared."
Kate softened instantly. "And that's okay. But don't let fear make the decision for you."
Jada muttered, "Fear keeps you alive."
Maya added, "Fear keeps you from making stupid choices."
Kate looked at both of them. "Fear also keeps you from happiness."
Sarah stared at the candle flame, feeling the weight of every word in the room.
Sarah sat up straighter on the couch, blanket falling from her lap, eyes sharp with frustration.
"Kate," she said, voice cutting through the room. "I don't understand why I'm even still friends with you."
The other girls froze.
Sarah kept going, the words spilling out faster than she could filter them.
"We barely talk. You show up here acting like you know my life better than me. Trying to be sweet strawberry‑fucking‑shortcake over there. Dressed up all cutesy like you're in some fairytale."
Jada's mouth dropped open.
Maya blinked hard.
Kate didn't move.
Sarah's voice cracked with anger and fear she didn't know how to express.
"You don't get it. You don't get me. So why are you even here?"
For a moment, the room was silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.
Then Kate stood.
Slowly. Gracefully. No yelling. No shaking.
She picked up the small fur pillow beside her and tossed it gently onto the couch — not in anger, but in a quiet, final gesture. Then she reached down and snatched up her baby‑blue tote purse, the one with the little gold charm hanging from the strap.
Her voice, when she spoke, was calm. Too calm.
"I see what I must do now," Kate said, looking at all three of them — not just Sarah. "Since you three have that kind of mindset."
Jada shifted uncomfortably.
Maya looked away.
Sarah's chest tightened, but she didn't speak.
Kate reached into her tote and pulled out a small, cute gift bag — pastel pink with white tissue paper. She placed it gently on the coffee table, right between the wine glasses and the flickering candles.
"This was for you," she said softly to Sarah. "But I think you'll understand it better later."
She didn't wait for a response.
Kate walked to the front door, heels clicking softly against the hardwood floor. She opened it, stepped out into the cool night air, and closed it behind her with a quiet, decisive click.
The room felt suddenly colder.
Jada exhaled. "Damn."
Maya whispered, "You really said that to her?"
Sarah stared at the gift bag on the table — untouched, glowing softly in the candlelight.
Character description
Kate
• Race: White
• Hair: Dark brown, soft waves that fall just past her shoulders
• Style: Clean, elegant, feminine — pastel colors, soft sweaters, simple gold jewelry
Kate has a gentle, classic look — the kind of woman who turns heads without trying. Her dark brown hair frames her face softly, Gentle face structure , 5,2 and Hazel eyes, she dresses in calm, coordinated outfits that match her personality.
Sarah
• Skin: Caramel complexion
• Hair: Long, curly‑wavy mix — big, voluminous, and dramatic
• Tattoos: Thigh tattoos on both legs, visible when she wears shorts or dresses
• Style: Trendy, bold, always dressed to impress, sassy
Sarah has that "main character" energy — curves, confidence, and a look that demands attention. Her hair is her signature: long, wild, and gorgeous. Her snake tattoos add edge to her otherwise glamorous style.
Jada
• Skin: Deep cocoa brown
• Hair: Jet‑black, usually in a sleek middle part or long knotless braids
• Style: Streetwear baddie — fitted cargos, crop tops, designer sneakers
• Vibe: Sharp tongue, sharp eyeliner, sharp everything
Jada has that intimidating beauty — the kind that makes people move out of her way. Her makeup is always flawless, her nails long and sculpted, and her outfits scream confidence.
Maya (baddie style)
• Skin: Warm golden brown
• Hair: Honey‑blonde highlights, body‑wave bundles down her back
• Style: Fashion‑girl aesthetic — matching sets, glossy lips, big hoops
• Vibe: Pretty, loud, and unbothered
Maya is the friend who always looks like she's on her way to brunch or a photoshoot. She's glamorous, expressive, and loves being the center of attention.
Lani (baddie style)
• Skin: Light brown like chestnut
• Hair: Auburn curls, fluffy and voluminous
• Style: Soft — cozy sweaters, mini skirts, thigh‑high boots
• Vibe: Sweet face, dangerous wardrobe
Lani has that mix of cute and seductive — big eyes, soft curls, and outfits that look innocent until you notice the details. She's the quiet one, but her presence is loud.