-Maya’s POV-


    The disbelief in Natalia’s voice echoed in the small cafe, shattering the fragile peace I had found in a steaming cup of tea. “She fired you?”


    I flinched, the usation stinging even though I knew it wasn’t meant that way. Raising my head slowly, I met her gaze, a storm brewing in her usually c


    “You quit?” This time, her voice wasn’t questioning, it was a low growl that sent shivers down my spine. I winced again, feeling like a child being scolded


    “I had a run–


    in with Alex,” I started, needing to exin the whirlwind of emotions that had led me here. “It was bad. Really bad. And I just… just wanted him to leave


    that moment.


    “Fucktard,” She offered, a ghost of a smile ying on her lips.


    “Yeah, the fucktard!” I eximed, relief washing over me at finding the right word, “He


    twisted everything around, like it was my fault I was in charge of the interior design project. “You’re the oneing into mypany, be said, like I was s


    Anger red back up, hot and fresh, pushing aside the guilt. “So I told him,” I continued, my voice rising a notch, “Screw him and screw the project! I


    was done.”


    Natalia’s re intensified, making me raise my hands in surrender. “I was angry, okay?” I confessed, the anger morphing into a deep sense of shame. “S


    ough,” settling in my stomach.


    “So yes, I mumbled, the words scraping against my throat, “I quit out of anger when Ms. Edward’s said if I wanted to be taken off the project and not abl


    Silence descended between us, thick and suffocating. Her gaze held a mix of disappointment and concern, and I knew she was right.


    “I worked really hard to get you that interview,” she finally said, her voice soft but firm.


    Shame burned in my cheeks. “i know,” I croaked, the guilt returning with a vengeance. “I know, and I am so sorry, Nat. I really am.”


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    She shook her head slowly, the movement conveying more than words ever could. “It isn’t even about the job right now,” her voice wasced with a wea


    Her words were a punch to the gut, a harsh reality I couldn’t ignore. Natalia was my best friend, the one person who knew me better than anyone. And th


    “I know that, Natalia,” I whispered, my voice thick with unshed tears. “And I am truly sorry for dragging you into this with me. Believe me, I am equally


    tired.”


    The cycle of anger, hurt, and betrayal with Alex had taken its toll. I was exhausted, emotionally drained, andpletely over it.


    “I don’t want anything to do with him anymore,” I dered, surprising even myself with the fierceness in my voice. “I told him that much. He can go ahead


    with his war with my father, they can tear each other to pieces for all I care. I am tired of the toxic cycle we’ve been trapped in


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    ever since i came back. I’m done.”


    The words hung heavy in the air, a vow not just to Natalia, but to myself. This time, I meant it. I was done letting Alex control my life, my happiness. It wa


    Her gaze softened, a hint of understanding recing the disappointment. “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice gentle.


    I met her gaze, a newfound determination burning in my eyes. “Yes. I am sure.”


    Her lips curved into a thin smile, a flicker of relief chasing away the worry lines that had etched themselves on her forehead. “Good.”


    We sat there infortable silence for a while, sipping our tea. Finally, she broke the quiet, her


    voiceced with a hint of nostalgia. “You know,” she mused, “I miss college days sometimes. Freshman year. Things were so much easier then.”


    A smile tugged at my lips as the memories came flooding back, a wee


    escape from the present turmoil. “Freshman year,” I echoed, a lowugh escaping my lips. “Remember how terrified we both were?” It felt like a lifetime


    She chuckled, a soft sound that echoed my own amusement. “Absolutely terrified,” she admitted. “I swear I must have packed enough clothes for a year


    “And don’t even get me started on the dorm room situation,” I added, shaking my head. The image of two nervous freshmen staring at each other across


    “We were assigned as roommates,” She continued, her smile widening. “Twoplete strangers thrown together, hoping we wouldn’t end up hating eac


    “And here we are,” I finished her sentence, a wave of gratitude washing over me. “Best friends all these yearster.”


    We fell silent again, lost in the shared memory, Freshman year had been a whirlwind of emotions –


    the excitement of newfound Independence, the terror of being far from home, the constant struggle to navigate theplexities of college life. My thoug


    freshman year, the day I met her.


    The dorms were a cacophony of noise as we moved in. Nervousughter mingled with shouts of greetings and the constant thump of furniture being dra


    Lost and overwhelmed, stood in the doorway of my assigned dorm room, wondering what awaited me inside. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the


    door open, bracing myself for the unknown.


    And then I saw her.


    Natalia


    was sprawled on the floor, surrounded by a sea of brightly colored clothes. She had one leg in a pair of jeans that looked like they wouldn’t button, and h


    pinned up in a haphazard bun. She looked up as I entered, her face breaking into a wide grin..


    “Hey there,” she basically shouted, her voice surprisingly chipper considering the chaos surrounding her. “You must be my roommatel”


    I simply smiled at her somehow knowing unconsciously that I would love her. Over the next few hours, we unpacked our belongings, slowly transforming


    shared space. We discovered a mutual love for cheesy pop music and a shared hatred of early morning sses. We learned about each other’s families


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    As the weeks turned into months, our friendship blossomed. We explored the campus together, discovering hidden cafes and quirky bookstores. We spe


    The cafe


    slowly emptied as the day wore on, but we lingered, lost in thefort of our friendship. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the street


    “Wow, I had no idea it was sote. We should probably get going.”


    I nodded, a flicker of sadness creeping into my heart. The carefree days of reminiscing couldn’tst forever. There was still the reality of my situation to d


    “Thanks, Nat,” I smiled sincerely, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. “For everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you today