Chapter 17

Nicole walked down the hallway; she noticed Ashley standing by the elevator, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Her hair was disheveled, and her shoulders slumped in defeat. Nicole's expression changed from curiosity to concern as she quickened her pace towards Ashley.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" Nicole asked, her voice soft and gentle. "Are you okay?"
Ashley's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Nicole. She tried to speak, but her voice cracked, and she burst into tears instead. Nicole immediately opened her arms, and Ashley fell into them, sobbing uncontrollably.