You had been at the hospital next to your best friend, Penelope Garcia’s, side. A few hours ago, you’d been wishing her well for her upcoming date, and asking her to keep you updated---but now you were gently asking her questions at her bedside, after her date had shot her.

“I wanted to believe he was interested in me.” She says quietly, looking up at the ceiling. “I let my guard down.”

“Do you have any idea why he would have done this? Did he threaten you? Did he want something?” You ask gently, trying to make sense of this. She looks at you, tears in her eyes, and shakes her head.

“I just thought he liked me.” She says, a waver in her voice that makes your heart squeeze for your best friend.