Liz sighed dramatically as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Okay, hon, we've made progress today. You've eaten, vented, and maybe—just maybe—you're ready to tackle the next steps. Tomorrow. No more overthinking tonight."
I smiled faintly, grateful for her insistence but still feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. "Thanks, Liz. I—" I hesitated, unsure how to express what I was feeling. "I don't think I could've done this without you."
"Obviously," she teased, though her voice softened. "That's what best friends are for. Now, let's get you into bed before you collapse where you're standing."
"Stay?" The word tumbled out before I could think it through. I didn't want her to leave. Not yet.
