The weekend brought a sense of calm to Sophie's usually buzzing life. She spent Saturday morning sketching in her room, letting her mind wander back to her conversation with Jason. His words had stayed with her, weaving their way into her thoughts like a melody she couldn't forget.
But peace was fleeting. That afternoon, her mom knocked on her door.
"Sophie, there's someone here to see you," she said, her tone neutral.
"Who is it?" Sophie asked, already feeling her stomach tighten.
Her mom hesitated before answering. "It's Claire."
Sophie froze. Claire—her former best friend, the one who had left without explanation the summer before high school.
---
Claire stood in the living room, her presence both familiar and foreign. She looked the same—tall, confident, with her signature wavy hair pulled into a high ponytail. Yet there was something in her eyes Sophie hadn't seen before: vulnerability.
"Hi, Sophie," Claire said softly.
Sophie crossed her arms, trying to hide her nerves. "Hi."
Claire glanced around, then back at Sophie. "Can we talk? Please?"
Sophie's mom lingered nearby, but a quick nod from Sophie sent her retreating into the kitchen.
"Fine," Sophie said, leading Claire to the backyard.
They sat on the porch steps in awkward silence until Claire finally spoke. "I know I have no right to be here after what happened."
"You mean after you ghosted me?" Sophie said, her voice sharp.
Claire flinched. "I deserve that."
Sophie looked at her, searching for answers. "Why are you here, Claire?"
"I needed time," Claire said, her voice trembling. "After my parents split, everything felt wrong. I couldn't handle school, or friends, or… anything. So, I ran."
Sophie's anger wavered, replaced by a flicker of understanding. "You could've told me."
"I know," Claire said. "But I was scared. I thought if I explained, you'd think I was weak."
Sophie shook her head. "You don't get it, Claire. I didn't need you to be perfect. I just needed you to be there."
The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Claire wiped a tear from her cheek. "I'm sorry, Sophie. For everything. I know I can't fix the past, but I want to try. If you'll let me."
Sophie stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "I don't know, Claire. A lot has changed since you left."
Claire nodded. "I get it. Just… think about it, okay?"
---
That night, Sophie lay awake, replaying the conversation in her head. Part of her wanted to forgive Claire, to reclaim the bond they once shared. But another part of her felt wary, afraid of being hurt again.
Her thoughts drifted to Jason, Rachel, and the life she had built without Claire. She had grown so much in the past year, and she wasn't sure if there was room for the past in her present.