“Okay.” Aveline nodded, settling into the car to wait.Leo called for a tow truck, which took about forty minutes to arrive.After the car was towed, they began walking toward the bus stop. The two-kilometer walk took nearly twenty minutes, with frequent breaks due to Aveline’s weakened state.By the time they reached the stop near Maple Gardens, night had already fallen. The winter sky grew dark early, and the cold evening air hung around them.Aveline turned to Leo and said, “Come up with me for a bit. Have some tea and rest.”Leo shook his head. “No need. I’m just glad I got you home safely. Here’s my number-call me if you ever need anything.”Aveline felt a pang of guilt. He had helped her so much, and she had done nothing in return.”You haven’t eaten dinner yet, right? I’m a good cook. Stay for a meal before you go,” she insisted again.Leo was about to decline, but his stomach growled loudly, betraying him. They both laughed.”Well, I guess I can’t say no to that,” Leo said, amused.Aveline smiled, and together they walked toward Maple Gardens.As the elevator doors opened, they were met with the sight of a figure crouched on the floor by the entrance, arms wrapped around their knees, eyes blank and distant. “Selena!” Aveline rushed over, kneeling beside her.Selena blinked, startled, and rubbed her eyes as if trying to make sense of what she was seeing.”Ave? Am I dreaming? Is it really you?” Aveline quickly grabbed her hands, stopping her. “It’s me. I’m back. I’m okay, you’re not dreaming. I really came back.”For a moment, Selena was frozen in disbelief.Then, with a sudden sob, she threw her arms around Aveline, crying uncontrollably.”Ave, you scared me to death! You have no idea how worried I’ve been these past few days… Where did you go? Who took you? I’m so glad.you’re safe!” Selena wept, clinging to Aveline like she was her anchor. Aveline held her tight, feeling the weight of her friend’s relief.Aveline’s eyes grew misty as well.Gently patting Selena’s back, she said softly, “Alright, alright, I’m fine now. Let’s go inside, okay? It’s cold out here.”Selena, her face streaked with tears, pouted pitifully, “My legs are numb…”Aveline couldn’t help but chuckle, helping her friend to her feet.It was then that Selena noticed Leo. “Aren’t you that, uh…”Before she could finish, she hiccupped loudly, catching herself off guard.Leo nodded, amused. “Yes, it’s me.”Aveline urged, “Let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here.”Selena was ice cold to the touch, having clearly sat outside for far too long. Once they stepped inside the apartment, Aveline quickly turned on the heater, and the warm air soon filled the room, chasing away the chill that clung to them. Still hiccupping, Selena glanced suspiciously at Leo. “Uh… how did you and Ave end up together? Uh…”Her constant hiccups made her stop mid-sentence, and in frustration, she pressed her lips together tightly.Aveline handed her a glass of water. “Here, drink some. I’ll tell you everything.”Nodding eagerly, Selena sipped the water slowly, trying to calm her hiccups.Aveline also poured a glass of water for Leo, then settled into a chair, letting out a small sigh of relief. Shebegan reebunting everything that had happened over the past fewdays, finally able to share herordeal. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.QUMS
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