CLOUD NINE

The night had passed in a blur for Cila, her mind replaying the moment of pleasure and connection she had shared with Ethan. It felt too short, leaving her wanting more, while for Laura, the hours dragged painfully.

She had barely slept, tossing and turning in the sterile hotel bed, anxiously waiting for morning to arrive. The anticipation gnawed at her, dread and hope swirling in her chest.

When dawn finally broke, Laura hurried back home, nerves fluttering beneath her calm exterior. She entered the house quietly, almost as if afraid to disturb the fragile atmosphere that lingered in the air. Ethan was in the kitchen, pretending to busy himself with breakfast, but the guilt was written all over his face. His eyes avoided hers, and Laura knew immediately that something had shifted. The plan, at least in some way, had worked.

A pit formed in her stomach as she sought out Cila, her emotions swirling in confusion. She wanted to know but also feared the answer. She found her friend