I sat cross-legged on the plush couch in the living room of the getaway mansion, the city skyline twinkling beyond the expansive windows. I had my phone lying next to me, the screen alight with a new notification from the last posts. I absorbed with my phone

Until, of course, it wasn’t.

I glanced at my phone, and my heart sank. There was a text from Sophie—a name that had become almost synonymous with a rollercoaster of emotions. Our ‘friendship’ was a tangled web of shared stories and cutting remarks, speckled with laughter and snide comments. This text was no different.

I opened the message, my expression shifting from curiosity to irritation.

Sophie: Hey, Aishah! I saw how your fav team lost in the playoffs. Bet you’re devastated! Maybe you should find a new hobby… like knitting or, I don’t know, being a better sport?

I rolled my eyes, my annoyance bubbling to the surface. I typed a reply, my fingers dancing over the screen as i tried to suppress the irritation coursing through myself.

Aisha: Hey Sophie! Thanks for your concern, but it’s hard to be devastated when I’m living the dream in NYC with Luna. Also, knitting? Really? I'll pass.

I hit send and leaned back, my heart racing with a blend of satisfaction and frustration. Sophie had this uncanny ability to get under my skin, always ready with some sarcastic comment that made me want to scream.

Sophie always gets under my skin… and I hate it… ugh.