The guilt had been gnawing at me all day. I hadn't meant to shut Myra out, but when everything fell apart—the apartment, the stress, Levi—I told myself I could handle it. I always do.
But hearing her voice laced with disappointment over the phone last night hit me harder than I expected.
So here I was, standing outside her door with a peace offering—her favorite pastry and a heart full of regret. I knocked softly.
When she opened the door, her eyes narrowed but she stepped aside without a word. The silence said everything.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, placing the box on her table. "I didn't mean to shut you out… I just didn't want to feel like a burden."
She crossed her arms. "You're never a burden, Amelia. You're my best friend. But it hurt that you didn't trust me enough to say something."
I looked down. "I know. I thought I had it under control, but clearly I didn't. I messed up."
She sighed, then pulled me into a hug. "Just… don't do that again. We're in this together, remember? I was so scared, I thought something had happened to you."
And in that moment, I realized no matter how strong I tried to be, I didn't have to face everything alone.
*****
I hadn't been in Myra's apartment in ages, but somehow, it felt like no time had passed. The scent of her lavender diffuser, the way her books still leaned lazily on that old shelf — it was all the same. Safe.
She caught me staring at the dent on the bookshelf and suddenly burst into laughter.
"That was the night of the rat," she said, wiping a tear from her eye.
I gasped, nearly spilling my tea. "Oh my God, Myra! Not the rat from Ophylia Hall!"
She was already halfway through laughing when she said, "You jumped on the table and screamed like we were under attack!"
I clutched my stomach, laughing too. "And you? You stood there holding a mop like it was a magic wand. I think you said, 'Please, Mr. Rat, we're students, not snacks!'"
"I was trying to negotiate!" she defended, which made me laugh harder.
For a moment, the weight I'd been carrying melted in that joy. It reminded me that we had always been more than just two girls trying to survive college — we were each other's anchor.
I looked at her then, really looked. She hadn't changed much, but somehow, we'd both grown. Stronger. Wiser.
"Despite everything," she said gently, "I'm really glad we found our way back here."
*******
The office hadn't changed much.
Alot of people had gone home, I mean i got back by 5:30 so what did i expect
Same buzzing lights. Same too-cold air. I eased into the chair, the cushion still stiff, like time had barely touched the place.
I was scrolling aimlessly through my phone when the notification lit up the screen:
*"Levi's waiting. Conference Room B."*
My heart stuttered. Of course. I should've known.
Levi never wasted words — he never had to. Just one message and I was on my feet, nerves prickling like cold air on skin. My shoes clicked softly against the tiled floor as I walked down the hallway, trying to look calm, but inside I felt like that younger version of me. How does my boss have such a grip on me!
I reached the door. Breathed.
Then knocked. Once.
"Come in," his voice called, familiar and still commanding.
And just like that, I stepped into whatever came next.
I reached the door. Breathed.
Then knocked. Once.
"Come in," his voice called, familiar and still commanding.
And just like that, I stepped into whatever came next.
I stepped into Levi's office, feeling a bit nervous but determined to keep things light. He looked up and gave me that familiar calm smile.
"So, how was it with Myra?" he asked, leaning back slightly.
I sighed softly, running a hand through my hair. "It was good, honestly. We talked for hours, went down memory lane a bit. Things between us are fine now — no drama or tension. I'm glad we cleared the air."
I glanced down, then back up at him, my voice quieter. "I just... I hope me staying at your place isn't causing you any inconvenience. I know it's a lot, and I don't want to be in your way."
Levi's eyes softened. "Amelia, you're not a burden. If anything, having you around brings a sense of calm. You're not a nuisance, not at all."
I managed a small smile, feeling the warmth in his words. "Thanks, Levi. I'm planning to sort out my issues soon — get back on my feet. I won't be in your hair forever, promise."
He nodded slowly, reassuringly. "Take your time. You're welcome here for as long as you need. We're a team, remember?"
I felt my worries ease a little, grateful for the quiet support in his voice. "I appreciate that more than you know."
Levi glanced at the clock, then stood up, stretching his arms. "It's getting late. You should head home — or, well, back to my place."
I chuckled softly, gathering my things. "Yeah, I guess it's time. Thanks for listening, Levi. It really helps just talking things out."
He smiled warmly. "Anytime, Amelia. You know I'm here."
As we walked out of the office together, the quiet between us felt comfortable, like the calm after a storm. I felt a strange mix of gratitude and hope — maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.
Levi opened the door for me and gave me a nod. "Safe home. See you tomorrow?"
"Definitely," I replied, feeling lighter than I had in days.
And just like that, the tension melted away, replaced by a quiet promise of better days ahead.