. She’d chosen her favorite pajamas—the ones with little stars all over them—and brought along the craft supplies she’d been saving because Sophie had mentioned wanting to make friendship bracelets. The drive to Charlotte’s house took forty minutes, and Emma chattered the entire way about what movies they might watch and whether they’d stay up late telling stories.

Charlotte answered the door in yoga pants that probably cost more than my weekly grocery budget. Her smile seemed genuine enough as she hugged Emma and ushered her inside.