“Ew, that guy’s mouth tasted like onions,” Alice said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and walking into the room. When she closed the door, I jumped up and hugged her tightly.

“Alice! Thank you so much! You just saved my life,” I told her, meaning every word.

“You’re…crushing…me,” she managed to get out.

I pulled away at once.

“Sorry,” I replied. “I’m just so grateful. I ...