Celeste knocked once on Amara's door.
Her knuckles rapped softly against the polished wood. She waited, then knocked again when no answer came.
Her eyes scanned her surroundings. Her chest still carried the exhaustion of the day. Work had demanded more than her fair share of energy, but the heaviness wasn't what drove her here.
She needed to see Amara. She needed her laughter, her warmth, and her grounding presence. She already told Dominic she'd spend the night with Amara.
She wanted to spend time with her best friend. Even with Dominic in her life, there was no medicine more preferable than the presence of Amara.
Just as Celeste was about to knock again, the door creaked open.
"Celeste?" Amara's voice rose in surprise, and then her eyes widened fully. "Oh my God. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
Before Celeste could reply, Amara tugged her inside and pulled her into a fierce hug. The embrace was warm, and almost suffocating in the best way.
