The car slowed in front of Sasha’s apartment, barely at a full stop before the door swung open.

She dove into the passenger seat like she was escaping a disaster, clutching her stomach. “You left me to die.”

You glanced at her, deadpan. “It’s been ten minutes.”

“Exactly,” she huffed. “Ten minutes without food. I was about to start chewing on my own arm.”

You pulled away from the curb. “Alright, where to?”

Her eyes lit up. “Okay—nuggets from the corner spot, mochi balls from Fuji’s, then Frostbite Grill for burgers. And maybe a milkshake.”

You gave her a look. “That’s three different places.”

She grinned, buckling her seatbelt. “It’s a food tour. A noble quest. And you’re my brave, underpaid chauffeur.”

You laughed under your breath, shaking your head. “And what do I get out of this quest?”

She leaned over, resting her head briefly on your shoulder. “Quality time with me, duh.”

There was a quiet pause. Sasha turned her gaze to the window, voice softer now.

“…Thanks for coming to get me. I know it’s dumb, just food and stuff, but this—being with you—it helps. Feels good. Normal.”

You glanced at her with a smile. “Better than fries?”

She hesitated like she was seriously debating it. “…Barely.”

Then she turned up the radio, rolled down the window, and shouted, “Let’s GOOOOO!” into the wind as you drove.

Somehow, even in all her chaos, she made the world feel lighter.