Chapter 22 Something Must Have Happened to Lila

"Lila! I'm back! My thesis is done—freedom at last! You have to come to Muse Lounge on Friday night. I've missed you so much." The message was from her best friend, Imelda Atkinson. For the first time in days, a hint of warmth flickered across Lila's cold face. She wanted to drop everything and run to Imelda. But at that moment, she was trapped, and she refused to drag Imelda into it. Her fingers hovered over the screen for a long moment before she slowly typed back. "Welcome back. I have something going on right now and won't be able to make it this time. Raincheck?" She tapped the button to send. The screen went dark, taking with it the last trace of light in her eyes. Across the city, Imelda had just stepped out of the VIP arrival gate at the airport, waving goodbye to a few friends. She slid into her family's car and excitedly pulled out her phone to read Lila's reply. When she read the short, distant message, her smile froze. Lila was busy? She can't make it? Imelda th