96. Kelly

I walked towards Brenda's apartment, shivering from the cold. Wrapping my arms tightly around myself, I pushed forward, each step feeling heavier. By the time I reached the door, I was almost frozen, the chill seeping deep into my bones.

I knocked, my knuckles weak against the wood, and it took a moment before the door finally swung open. Brenda stood there, her eyes widening the moment she saw me. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, pulling me into a tight hug, not caring that my soaked body would drench her clothes.

"Oh my God, V. I thought I wasn't going to see you again," she whispered, her voice thick with relief. She quickly ushered me inside, the warmth of the apartment hitting me like a wave of comfort.

"You need a warm bath and some dry clothes," she said, already moving towards the hallway to fetch towels.

I hesitated, glancing towards Kelly’s room. "Where's Kelly?" I asked, my voice trembling, both from the cold and the overwhelming need to see her.

Brenda stopped and t