Elena's POV
"It's Sunday. No work today."
My phone buzzed just before noon.
Anna.
I hadn't heard from her in weeks—not really. A few short texts. A forwarded email. But nothing more.
I picked up.
"Elena," she said, voice warm, familiar. "You've gone cold on me."
Guilt pricked at my chest.
"I'm trying to protect you."
"From what?"
"You know what," I said. "You almost died because of me, Anna. I can't—"
"Don't do that," she cut in. "Don't shut me out. I'm not scared. I'm not going anywhere."
I closed my eyes, letting her voice settle into the parts of me still raw.
"It's safer this way," I said, quieter. "For now."
"Nothing will happen again. You've got security, the police, half the damn city watching your back."
I didn't respond.
"Elena."
"I just... I don't want to lose anyone else," I murmured. "Not you."
There was a pause, then her tone softened. "I'm still here. You don't have to carry all this alone."
I hesitated. Then finally said it.
