*Aryanna*

I tried to hide my expression behind the brim of my cup.

Shelley eyed me down astutely, appraising me anew as if she saw something only she could decode. I could lie or deceive anyone but my best friend. It was mainly because the attempt would fail. She knew me too well for any other outcome to transpire. She sensed a change she couldn’t yet name.

“I thought you would be excited about this?” she probed, testing a theory I sensed tormented her. “Even ...