CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE – THE NEW BAKERY

For the next several hours, Jasmine and Raquel worked side by side, tackling the apartment's most pressing issues. Raquel proved to be surprisingly handy, guiding Jasmine through basic plumbing repairs and showing her how to patch the worst of the wall damage. As they worked, Jasmine felt a warmth blooming in her chest that had nothing to do with physical exertion. Raquel's presence, her gruff but caring demeanor, reminded Jasmine that she wasn't truly alone in this strange new life. "You didn't have to do all this," Jasmine said softly as they took a break, sharing a slightly stale loaf of bread and some cheese Raquel had brought. Raquel shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Someone had to make sure you didn't flood the building or electrocute yourself." Jasmine smiled, recognizing the affection hidden beneath Raquel's brusque exterior. "Well, thank you. For everything." As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the now-somewhat-improved apartment, Raquel packed up her tool