Afterward, they collapsed in a late-night ramen shop, slurping noodles like they hadn’t eaten in years.

    “You know,” Ava said, mouth full, “I really thought I’d never see you again. I checked hospitals, asked around. You just… disappeared.”

    Tessa Marvins stirred her broth quietly. “Life got… complicated.”

    Ava gave her a look, a mix of exasperation and worry. “Complicated as in—secret boyfriend who doesn’t want me to know? Or complicated as ...