“If you’re tired, take a break.
Rest is productive too.”
---
~ Elizabeth ~
I hadn’t realized I’d been considering a new bike until I passed a small shop on my way to Dad’s.
My current bike still worked fine—steady, reliable—but it carried too much weight. It had been with me through grief, through heartbreak. It was bought just weeks after we moved to California, and somehow, it had seen every tear I never showed.
“Ma’am, looking to get a new bike?” one of the staff called out.
I shook my head. “Not yet.”
Still, as I rode off, I made a mental note to start saving. A new bike didn’t sound like a bad idea.
Dad’s new place was about twenty minutes by bike, though it felt shorter. Maybe I was too lost in thought to notice time slipping by.
I parked in the garage and made my way in, slow and quiet.
“Heyyy, you’re here!” Anita greeted me, wrapping me in a bear hug. She wore a loose black top and leggings, her face makeup-free, yet her ears sparkled with slipper-shaped earrings. Her hair was curled in soft waves. I found myself wondering—do all nursing moms look this effortlessly cute?
“Hi,” I whispered, sinking into the comfort of her hug.
“Come upstairs. Let’s have some girl talk.”
I nodded, already understanding that the decision had everything to do with her sleeping kids. That maternal instinct, always awake.
The balcony had been transformed into a cozy little haven. Two couches faced each other, just inches apart. Pink woolen blankets were draped across them, and an ottoman lay in front of them for resting tired legs. Between the couches stood a transparent round side table, holding two bottles of Bollinger champagne and two wine glasses. A white bowl of freshly baked cookies sat beside them.
I turned to ask what we were celebrating, but Anita was already smiling as she moved to the stereo, slipping in a new CD. Soft music drifted through the air, wrapping us in warmth.
“You can sit, Lizzie,” she said.
I curled up on one of the couches, legs tucked beneath me, as she took the seat across.
“So… what’s all this about?”
“Well…” she drawled, and I braced myself. Her next words didn’t disappoint.
“I heard from Eric that your mom has a new boyfriend. Thought you might be feeling left out, so I invited you for some girl time.”
I opened my mouth to say, That’s so sweet, but the words caught in my throat.
“Also,” she added with a guilty smile, “there’s another, slightly selfish reason I asked you here.”
“Tell me.” I said, pouring a glass of lukewarm water and sipping.
“I heard your mom went back to work this week. I guess I still carry some guilt for being the reason she stopped working in the first place.”
I hummed, unsure of what to say.
“But I can’t change the past,” she said, “so I figured... maybe I could just be here for you instead.”
“Okay,” I replied softly.
“So, what’s on your mind, Lizzie?”
The question caught me off guard. I turned to the green potted plants in the corners of the balcony—orchid, english ivy, spider plants, and peace lily. I mentally named them out of habit. Mom never liked houseplants, so we never had any. But now I thought, Maybe I should get one or two for my future dorm at university. 
The sound of a champagne cork popping brought me back to the present. Anita was pouring the drinks.
I took a glass and had a sip. My eyes fluttered closed as I savored the flavor—like I wanted to memorize it.
“This tastes amazing,” I said, unable to hide my excitement.
“Yes, it really does,” Anita said, smiling as she sipped hers.
Then I said it.
“I found out on Monday that my best friend and my crush are in a relationship.”
Her face softened. “Oh… that’s rough.”
“It is,” I said, and the words kept coming. I told her everything. Every detail. The more I spoke, the heavier my heart became, until I couldn’t say another word. That’s when I realized—I’d been bottling everything up.
“Oh, Lizzie…” I hadn’t even noticed when she crossed over and wrapped me in her arms, but once she did, I crumbled. The pain was too much.
If it had been anyone else, maybe it wouldn’t have hurt so deeply. But Evelyn? She was the first person I trusted after Katrina. And she threw that trust in my face—mocked me, then took the guy I liked. How could she?
“I’m so sorry, Lizzie. It really sucks,” Anita whispered, tracing soft circles on my back. And for a moment, it felt like it wasn’t Anita but Eliezer holding me—because this was exactly what she’d do. Exactly what she’d say.
“So… what now?” Anita asked gently, once the tears had passed and I’d wiped my face clean.
“Nothing much,” I said, shrugging. “I guess I’ll just let Evelyn dig her own grave.”
I took a long sip from my glass. The first bottle was gone; we were already on the second. Yet it still felt like the night had just begun.
“And Patrick?”
The mention of his name reopened the ache. Patrick... What was I supposed to do about him?
“Patrick’s a player. He never commits.”
Sarah’s voice echoed in my mind. And I suddenly felt foolish. How did I fall for someone like that?
“Whatever happens or doesn’t happen,” Anita said, locking eyes with me, “I want you to remember this…”
I leaned in.
“You’re stronger than you think you are.”
Her words stayed with me, long after they were spoken.
Stronger than I think I am.
Was she right? Would I really come out of this stronger?
Would I?
…
A/N: What did you think of this chapter, guys?