Elena's POV

The restaurant was full of noise. The sound of clinking glasses, laughter, and the faint hiss of the grill filled the air. Smoke drifted lazily toward the ceiling, carrying the smell of ribs and spice. Everyone around me looked relaxed, cheerful. I sat at the edge of the booth, smiling when someone looked my way, but I felt distant, as though watching it all from behind glass.

Dara sat beside me, her cheeks puffed as she chewed. “You guys should try this,” she said, pointing ...