It felt… strange.
Familiar in a way that made her chest ache, but distant too, like trying to fit into a skin you'd long since shed. The soft hum of the office, the faint scent mixed with paper and ink, the sun slanting through the blinds in that lazy, late-afternoon way.
Her office has been vacant for a year. Untouched but not unloved.
Valerie had kept it warm for her. Valerie hugged her like a lifeline the moment she stepped through the door.
"See who we have here," Valerie whispered, arms tight around Mara's shoulders. "God, I missed you so much. And just because my brother is a grade A certified jerk doesn't mean you don't call me too, you know."
Mara managed a small, worn smile, feeling the sting of guilt. "I'm sorry, Val. It was never my intention. Life just… happened."
"Well, you're here now," Valerie said, eyes bright. "And my mom's doing better. Her treatment's going well. The doctors think if she keeps up like this, she'll be up on her feet soon."
