43

On my way back from my mother's house, I decided to make a quick stop at a convenience store to pick up some wolfs bane—a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of my children. As I stepped out of the store, clutching the small vial tightly, I froze in surprise.

There, standing beside my car, was someone I used to think was my best friend Jessica. The flicker of shock that crossed her face was priceless as she scrambled to hide the cigarette she was smoking. It was evident she didn't expect to run into me.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, her voice laced with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

"And why do you look so surprised?" I shot right back as I came to a stop before her.

Jessica took a quick drag of her cigarette, attempting to compose herself. The smoke curled around her face, adding an air of mystery to her already dubious presence. She exhaled slowly, a cloud of smoke swirling in the parking lot's dimly lit atmosphere.

"I...uh...just needed some fresh air," she stamm