Lost in a swirl of memories, Susan barely noticed time slipping away until a sharp knock on the door jolted her back to the present. A quick glance at the clock revealed that half an hour had vanished in an instant.
“Erm, come in,” she called out, her voice quivering as she fought to regain her composure. Ruby entered softly, her face a portrait of concern as she took in Susan’s disheveled state. “Susan, I’m so sorry,” she murmured, enveloping her friend in a warm, reassuring hug.