Chapter 37

The morning sunlight spilled into the room, casting a warm glow on the walls as I sat, contemplating the events of the previous night. Vince had left for work, and a knot of unease lingered in my stomach. The echoes of Alice’s visit reverberated through the air like a haunting melody.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the doorbell chimed, startling me. I opened the door to find Joy standing there, her vibrant energy a stark contrast to the weight on my shoulders. She greeted me with a wide smile, “Hey, Laura! Long time no see!”

I welcomed her in, appreciating the burst of positivity she brought. As we settled in the living room, Joy couldn’t help but notice the tension in my demeanor. “Alright, spill it. What’s going on? You look like you’ve been wrestling with your own thoughts.”

I sighed, feeling a sense of relief at the opportunity to confide in a friend. “It’s been a night, Joy. Alice, Vince’s friend from the past, showed up unexpectedly. It turns out they had