I stepped through the door, a sense of relief washing over me as I returned home. As I entered the kitchen, the comforting scent of lavender-scented cleaner filled the air. Aria was there, her sleeves rolled up, diligently wiping the countertops.
"Hey, Evie! Where have you been?" Aria glanced up from her task, a warm smile curving her lips.
I shrugged off my coat, feeling a flicker of nerves as I prepared to share my news. "I went to see a therapist."
Her eyes widened in surprise before lighting up. "That's amazing, Evie! How was it?"
Taking a seat at the kitchen table, I exhaled slowly. "It was... better than I expected. She really listened, you know? Didn't just nod and scribble notes. It felt like she understood."
Aria paused in her cleaning, leaning against the counter with genuin
