Chapter 10: A glow with secrets

The kitchen clock ticked louder than usual, or so it seemed. Sandra stood by the sink rinsing off plates from a meal no one would eat — again. Michael had developed a new habit of leaving his food untouched, as if her efforts were invisible. Still, she made his breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, pretending everything was normal, like a well-trained actress in a play she never auditioned for.

She was wiping down the dining table when a loud, urgent knock rattled the front door. Startled, Sandra dropped her cleaning towel on the table and hurried to the door. Her brows furrowed as she wondered who it could be at that hour.

Opening it, she was met with a wide, radiant smile.

“Girl!!!” Chole squealed, arms flung open, her voice as cheerful as ever.

Sandra's face lit up instantly, her heart genuinely warming at the sight. “Oh my God, Chole!” she gasped, hugging her tightly. Chole’s arms wrapped around her, but something about her embrace felt... brief. Restrained. Forced. It was like hugging a mannequin dressed in emotion.

Sandra pulled back and grinned. “You didn’t even tell me you were coming! I’d have prepared something special.”

Chole chuckled, brushing her braids away from her face. “Ah! I didn’t want to make promises I couldn’t keep. I wasn’t sure I’d be free today.”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re here.” Sandra gestured for her to come in. “Make yourself comfortable. Let me get you something.”

She disappeared into the kitchen, humming to herself, almost forgetting the heaviness she had been carrying for weeks. Her friend was here. That meant safety, gossip, distraction — maybe even laughter.