Chapter 21: Enter Sophia

The ding sounded softly, breaking the silence in Olivia's apartment. She peeled her eyes off the book and looked into the phone screen, surprised that the name was Sophia Martinez—a name she hadn't thought of in years. Her thumb hovered over the screen, the mix of curiosity and apprehension mingling deep into her being. Olivia's thoughts flickered back to college days: late nights in the art studio, shared dreams of gallery openings, and artistic recognition. Sophia had been her confidante and her partner in creative crime. But life, as it often does, pulls people in different directions once college is over. With a deep breath, Olivia opened the message: "Hi stranger! You showed me your post. I've been thinking about you. Coffee soon? I will be in the area for a bit. Xx Soph" Olivia frowned. Post? She hardly ever used social media anymore, but... She had posted a vague status update last night about feeling lost. She hadn't expected anything to come of it—least of all an alert not