The rhythmic patter of rain against the window provided the only background noise as you sat lost in a book. A familiar scent, a mix of lavender and rain-soaked earth, filled your nostrils moments before the doorbell chimed. You looked up, surprised, to see Elena standing on your doorstep, her hair plastered to her forehead, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

"Hey," she said, her voice barely a whisper above the storm's roar. "Can I come in?"