"Becca," Catrin called, her tone laced with pleasant surprise. "After so long, you finally visited." She took a step forward to wrap her arms around her friend. "I am so happy to see you —"
But her arms halted mid-air when, instead of accepting that warm embrace, Becca chose to take a step back, subtly avoiding it.
"Catrin," Becca said, her voice calm but edged with clear, cold indifference. "Let's go inside and talk."
Saying that, she didn't wait for pleasantries. Turning on her heels, she simply walked inside like she owned the space. Catrin's smile faltered, but she followed behind.
They entered the house and went straight to the living room. Catrin, trying to mask her unease, gestured toward the couch. "Sit," she offered.
Becca settled into a seat, her posture composed, unbothered. Catrin sat on the next seat beside her, trying to keep things light.
