Maya sat in her parents' living room, the soft hum of the television providing a comforting background noise. She was curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her, as she sipped on a cup of chamomile tea. Sara was in the kitchen, baking cookies—a therapeutic activity they both enjoyed. It had been a few days since the incident at VISHO, and Maya was still grappling with the hurt and confusion that lingered in her heart.
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, breaking her train of thought. She glanced at the screen and saw Levi Thompson's name flashing. Hesitating for a moment, she took a deep breath and answered.
"Hello?" Maya's voice was soft, almost fragile.
"Ms. Larson, it's Levi," Levi's voice was calm, yet she could hear the concern underlying his words. "How are you holding up?"
Maya sighed, her eyes glancing toward the kitchen where Sara was singing softly to herself. "I've been better, Mr. Thompson."
