Page 2

“You’re not weak,” she insists, her voice unwavering.

“Yes, I am! I’m second-guessing every decision I make, both in my personal and professional life. I can’t afford to second-guess myself at work. Too much is at stake—livesare at stake. I always thought I was too strong to let something like this happen to me, to let someone like Ryan break me. Yet, here I am, questioning everything, a shadow of the woman I used to be.”

I rub my temples, trying to stave off the headache creeping in. The tension coils tighter, almost suffocating. “I never wanted this. I wanted a family, too, you know? I wanted the house with the white picket fence and a couple of kids running around. But now …”

I trail off, staring into the distance as the memory of Ryan’s anger echoes in my mind like a bad song on repeat. The thought that I can’t have kids eats at me, gnawing at my insides like a ravenous beast.

At first Ryan blamed my age, blamed me for putting my career first—insisted we should have started sooner—but I’m only thirty-two. Turns out my age had nothing to do with it. I’m defective.

“You deserve better,” Lydia says softly, stepping closer. Her warmth seeps into me, a brief reprieve from the chill surrounding us.

“Yeah? Well, what if better doesn’t exist for someone like me?” My voice shakes despite my effort to keep it steady.

“Don’t do that,” Olivia interjects, her tone firm yet gentle. “You’re not broken. You’re just … human.”

I laugh bitterly. “Yeah, well. Being human is the problem.”

Lydia steps in again, determination written on her face. “You are allowed to feel all of this—the hurt, the anger, even the confusion.”

Her words wrap around me like a lifeline thrown in turbulent waters. But I can’t hold onto hope. Hope leads to disappointment.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” I say sharply, catching both women off guard.

They exchange glances. Each of them knows how stubborn I can be when it comes to admitting vulnerability.

“You don’t have to share every little detail,” Lydia says slowly. “But keeping it bottled up won’t help you either.”

“Then what’s your suggestion? Go home and cry myself to sleep?” I shoot back before I can stop myself.

Olivia shrugs, crossing her arms over her chest as she watches me with concern simmering beneath her bright demeanor. “Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Let it out.”

My breath hitches as I fight back the urge to scream or cry or whatever will relieve this pressure building inside me. Instead, I bury it deeper where no one can find it.

“I’ll be fine,” I lie through clenched teeth.

Lydia leans in closer, lowering her voice as if she’s afraid someone might overhear us even though we’re alone on this quiet street corner. “You know we’re here for you, right? Always.”

I nod slowly but can’t shake off the feeling that their kindness is just another reminder of everything I’ve lost—everything I’ll never have again.

We keep walking. Shadows wrap around us, trying to pull me further into darkness and away from this fleeting moment of connection.

These days, I have to hang onto joy wherever I can find it. Lately, these ladies are it.

I glanceat the dimly lit parking garage, a sense of unease creeping in as we step onto the concrete. The echoes of our laughter bounce off the walls, but my thoughts are heavy like a leaden fog. Lydia walks ahead with her usual cheerfulness, while Olivia bounces on her heels, bubbling with excitement.

“C’mon, ladies!” Olivia turns, her eyes gleaming like diamonds. “It’s Friday night! We should celebrate surviving another week.”

“Celebrate? That sounds like work.” I scoff, trying to mask my discomfort. The idea of going out makes my stomach churn.

Lydia glances back at me. “It does not. It’ll be fun!”

I shake my head. “Not for me.”

“Oh please.” Olivia rolls her eyes dramatically. “You can’t tell me you want to go home and binge-watch another crime documentary.”

“Maybe I do.” I cross my arms, refusing to give in.

“Just this once!” She clasps her hands together, a look of mock pleading on her face. “Let’s hit Club Velvet Petal! I’ve heard good things about it, but I’ve never been. We can unwind, dance a little … you know? Maybe find someone to get lost in for a night.”