Leah sat on the couch, the airy morning sun casting a golden hue over her balcony. She realized she hadn't spoken to Mariam, Mrs. Adams, or her grandmother in ages, and the thought of reconnecting filled her with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.

She picked up her phone and dialed Mariam’s number.

"Hello, Mariam? It’s Leah," she began hesitantly.

"Leah! Oh my God, it’s been so long! How have you been? Did you really forget me, or was it the whole issue that made you ...