CHAPTER 16: AN UNPLEASANT REUNION

By the following week, Cecilia would still not snap out of the self-pity that enveloped her like a blanket. She heaved a deep breath from the couch as she watched Sarah pace back and forth. The other woman's rising anger was palpable, and Cecilia knew that she would snap at any moment if she refused to go out again. "You're coming with me, no excuses," Sarah said firmly, grabbing her purse and pulling Cecilia off the couch. Cecilia sighed, half-heartedly resisting. "Sarah, I don't feel like going anywhere. I just want to stay home." "You've been 'just staying home' for too long," Sarah retorted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We're going to the mall. We'll grab coffee, shop, and maybe remind you that there's a world outside your front door." Cecilia rolled her eyes but let herself be dragged along. A small part of her knew Sarah was right. She needed to get out, even if only for a few hours. Perhaps Sarah was right. It might do her good to see the world outside or at lea