Celina unlocked the door to her apartment and stepped inside with slow, deliberate movements. The silence of the place clashed with the storm swirling inside her. She dropped her bag on the couch, sank into the cushions with a weary sigh, and reached for her phone. Quickly, she typed a message to Gabriel:

"I’m home."

She locked the screen and placed the phone on the coffee table. Then she stood, walked into the kitchen, pushed the window open to let in some fresh air, and filled a glass of water. Leaning against the counter, she stared at the sky, streaked with heavy gray clouds. The overcast view mirrored her perfectly. Every word Tatiana had spoken still echoed inside her, each phrase a mirror exposing wounds she hadn’t dared face even in herself.

Back in the living room, she opened the balcony doors and returned to the sofa. Picking up her phone again, she noticed Gabriel had already replied:

"On my way."

And then Zoe:

"Girl, how are you? Don’t forget you still need to turn in that