Chapter 36

"Finally."

Maya released a weak sigh of relief at the familiar and welcoming smell as she stepped into the small apartment. She dropped her bag on the floor, letting it fall open like it was the most natural thing in the world, and took off her shoes. Maya's feet ached badly but nothing compared to how hungry she was feeling. The small dinner she ate earlier had completely evaporated from her long walk, 

The smell of food filled her nostrils and her stomach growled in response. A faint aroma of something that could only be cooked beef greeted her nostrils. Something that made her mouth water.

"Gab?" She called out, uncertainty in her tone, "Are you home?" 

A rustling sound indicated that her roommate might still be there. She walked into the kitchen, and sure enough, Gab was standing there, facing the oven with her hands on her hip, staring at the machine contemplatively. She must have felt someone else enter because she immediately spun around,&nbs