By the time they bid farewell to the serene island, darkness had already enveloped the sky. In stark contrast to the island’s peaceful tranquility, the mainland buzzed with the ceaseless rhythm of traffic and the vibrant hustle of daily life.

Juliette had arranged transportation in advance, and they made their way directly towards the city’s bustling Central Business District. Nighttime did little to dim the luminosity of the soaring skyscrapers, each aglow with activity.

Josie found herself lost in thought as she gazed through the car window, observing the unchanged pace of life outside. The incessant flow of workers, each engrossed in their own world, striving tirelessly toward what they deemed their dreams.

“What’s on your mind?” Juliette inquired, momentarily diverting her attention from applying makeup in the compact mirror to steal a glance at Josie.

“Just reminiscing about old times. I used to work in this area,” Josie replied.

Juliette appeared genuinely taken aback. “You mean to tell me you actually had to work for a living?”

It seemed Juliette was somewhat oblivious to Josie’s less glamorous past, a realization that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Josie confirmed with a nod, “Indeed, life wasn’t always this smooth. I jumped into the workforce right after university, and overtime became my constant companion.”

A particular memory prompted Josie to gesture towards the lipstick Juliette was holding. “Once upon a time, I would’ve had to budget carefully for a whole month just to afford that brand,” she mused, reflecting on the financial constraints of her early adult life.

led Josie to her current circumstances was one marked by a series of

thoughtfully, offered a consoling thought, “Yet, here you are, still radiating youth and

but smile. “So, this friend must be quite significant,

amusement was evident, though she chose not

It’s getting late. If you’re out and

gracefully came to a halt. She stepped out, momentarily caught

her eyebrow, prompted, “Come on,

her phone’s screen. Moving forward, she decided against sending her drafted

as his response came

your plans after

stepping into the elevator with a confident stride, pressed the button for the building’s topmost floor. Josie felt a twinge of unease ripple through

I’m meeting a friend.

he added: We’re meeting at

had pieced together the unfolding scenario, but the opportunity for evasion

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