“Are you sure?” Leila is pouting at me, and I give her a quick squeeze; she cuddles me back. It’s like being hugged by a child as she’s so tiny and adorable. I feel a tug in my chest at leaving her, but I can’t stay here anymore.

“Yes, I think I just need to head home,” I sigh. I’ll genuinely miss her. She’s the friend I never knew I needed, infectious and sweet. Like Jake, she has a way of getting under my skin and pulling a different Emma out.

“Was it a bad ...