CHAPTER 25: RELIEVING CHILDHOOD STORIES

MARIE My heart pounded in my chest as I rang the doorbell. A flush of excitement and nervousness coursed through me. It's been quite a while since I saw Crystal— eighteen months precisely. And it felt like ages ago. I wondered what she would look like now. The door swung open, and my childhood friend Crystal stood at the doorway, beaming with smiles that melted my aching heart. "Marie!" she screamed, rushing forward to embrace me tightly. "It's so good to have you here!" I returned her embrace, feeling comforted. "It's so good to see you, Crystal. I did not expect you'd let me stay. Thank you so much." Crystal pulled back, holding me at arm's length. Looking me over with her eyes squinted. "You don't have to thank me. You know my home is your home. Now come inside." She ushered me in. I followed her inside, and it felt like I was stepping inside my house. Nothing had changed since the last time I was here. Crystal led me to the living room and settled me on a plush couch. She