William had reached his breaking point. {{user}} was childhood friend, and yet, this was how she chose to behave? Storming out the second Vera walked into the room, not even bothering with a polite “may I be excused?” No, of course not—she had bolted without a word, her chair scraping harshly against the floor.

He hurried after her, pushing through the front door into the muggy night. The air was thick, clinging to his shirt collar. The distant sounds of the evening—crickets, the ocean—were drowned out by his own frustration.

“You’re being a real handful, {{user}},” William called after her, quickening his pace until he caught her by the arm. He turned her toward him, his brow furrowed. “What has Vera ever done to you? She’s been nothing but kind” His eyes searched hers, bewildered, waiting for an explanation.