Chapter 52

• As Charlotte stepped into her cozy apartment, the familiar scent of home wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She kicked off her shoes by the door, her feet sighing in relief as she padded across the cool floor. The comforting silence welcomed her, and as she sank onto the couch, she let out a heavy exhale, feeling the weight of the world fall away.
• “Hey, how was it?” Janine’s voice rang out from the small kitchen, where she was busy cleaning up the remnants of dinner. The cheerful clank of dishes was a soothing backdrop to Charlotte’s thoughts.
• “Ugh, it was terrible,” Charlotte replied, unable to suppress a laugh. “The worst first date ever! I spent the whole time praying it would end quickly!”