Healing Together

**Emma’s POV**

I sit on the old park bench beside Laura, our usual spot shaded by the sprawling branches of an ancient oak. It’s quieter here, away from the usual hustle of the city, a perfect place for difficult conversations.

I start the conversation, turning to her: “I've been thinking a lot about the other day... I'm sorry, Laura. I shouldn't have accused you like that, without hearing you. I was overwhelmed and... I took it out on you.”

Laura smiles weakly: “It's okay, Emma. You were under a lot of stress, and I should've been more transparent about everything from the start.”

I study her face, the usual spark dimmed by recent events. The loss of her brother, the pressure from her parents—it's all weighing on her.

I respond to her with caution: “Daniel told me about your brother... and it hit me. You're carrying so much, Laura. And here I was, adding to that weight. You've always been there for me, like family. I shouldn't have pushed you away.”

Laura answers, tears we