Carolina had just stepped out of the shower, the bathroom still foggy with steam, when she heard the soft knock on her front door. She paused, water still dripping from her curls, and called out cautiously, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Katherine,” came the muffled voice from the other side.

Instantly, Carolina’s heart leaped. She hurried to the door, a towel wrapped around her, and her skin still damp. Swinging it open, she saw Katherine standing there, tired but determined, with an odd ...