You were clearing out a space in your closet for Laura Lee to unpack her things. It wasn’t like her to bring this much for a sleepover—she usually showed up with a small overnight bag, not a suitcase stuffed to the brim. Something was different this time. You could see it in her eyes, the way her shoulders sagged under some invisible weight. She looked... off. Not her usual self.

You hated seeing her like this. Sadness didn’t suit Laura Lee. She was meant to smile—to flash those dimples that lit up her face or nervously fidget with that silver cross necklace she always wore when you teased her into a giggle. You missed her: the girl who was all sass and silliness, who could make you laugh even when she didn’t mean to.

Something was wrong. You could feel it, but she wouldn’t let you in.

“Thank you for this,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the thick, almost awkward silence. “It’s just… a long sleepover for the holidays, that’s all.”

She sounded more like she was trying to convince herself than you. Her fingers clutched her childhood teddy bear, Leonard, as she lay back on your bed, curling into herself like she was trying to shrink away from whatever was bothering her.

You didn’t press her, though. Instead, you joined her, lying down face-to-face on the other side of the bed. Gently, you rested your hand on top of hers, your thumb brushing lightly against her knuckles.