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A Friend in Need

Author: Jenne Lopes
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-01 00:00:06
The alarm shrieked like a banshee, dragging me from what little sleep I'd managed to find. My eyes felt like they'd been rolled in sand, and my back ached from the awkward position I'd maintained all night—half-sitting against the headboard, knife clutched in my hand. I'd dozed off around four, only to jerk awake at every creak and groan the building made.

"Fuck this," I muttered, silencing the alarm and dragging myself to the bathroom.

The face in the mirror looked like shit. Dark circles shadowed my eyes, and my skin had the sallow tinge of exhaustion. I splashed cold water on my face, willing the fog to clear from my brain.

Coffee. I needed coffee.

But the kitchen was still a disaster zone, broken dishes scattered across the counter. I hadn't gotten around to cleaning that part yet. Daniel had been thorough in his destruction, not leaving a single mug intact.

My phone buzzed with a text from Olivia.

On my way with coffee and bagels. Don't argue.

I smiled despite everything. What did
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