ingydar- nika muhl & kate martin

Chapter Three

Nika nods, understanding Caitlin's need to say goodbye. "Okay. Take all the time you need. I'll be here." She gives Caitlin a small

Kate walked out of the room with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She sat down on the couch

Nika notices Kate coming out of the bedroom, looking small and fragile with the blanket draped over her shoulders. She notices that Kate's eyes are red and puffy, and it's obvious she had been crying. Nika feels a pang of sadness, "Hey, Kate. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Kate whispers, she looks up and Caitlin who kisses her on the forehead

Nika watches the scene unfold, feeling like an outsider. She can tell that Kate and Caitlin have a deep bond, and for a moment, she feels envious of that connection.

Caitlin stands up and nods for Nika to follow her into the kitchen, away from Kate

Nika follows Caitlin into the kitchen, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. She looks at Caitlin, waiting for her to speak.

"I'm about to go, just keep an eye on her. I told her she had to sleep on the couch for a little so she couldn't do anything in her room." Caitlin says

Nika nods, "Got it. I'll keep an eye on her, and she'll sleep on the couch. Is there anything specific I should look out for? Any triggers or things that might make it worse?" She asks, wanting to be well-informed and prepared to support Kate.

"Just don't bring up her ex, Claire. And preferably either sleep with your door open, or sleep on the other couch." Caitlin whispers

"I can do that. I'll keep my door open or sleep on the other couch. And no mention of Claire, got it." Nika responds, grateful for Caitlin's guidance.

Caitlin engulfs Nika in a hug, it was tight. They both needed it

Nika hugs Caitlin back tightly, feeling a mix of emotions. She's grateful for the support and guidance, but also overwhelmed by the responsibility of looking after Kate. Tears well up in her eyes as she holds onto Caitlin.

"Thanks, Caitlin. I'll do my best, I promise," she whispers before slowly pulling back from the embrace.

Caitlin goes and says her goodbyes to Kate. Causing Kate to cry even harder in Caitlin's arms

Nika watches the emotional moment between Kate and Caitlin, feeling a pang of sympathy. She can't imagine how hard it must be for Kate to see her best friend leave, especially during such a tough time.

"Nika is gonna take care of you, okay?" Caitlin coos, "Be nice to her."

Nika's heart aches as she listens to Caitlin's words. She feels the weight of the responsibility even more, knowing that Kate needs her now. She nods silently, determined to do everything she can to support and help Kate through this difficult time.

Nika stands there, watching Caitlin leave. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead. She glances over at Kate, who looks visibly upset, "Hey, Kate," she says softly. "Let's get you settled on the couch, okay? It's time for bed."

Kate just stares at Nika

Nika notices Kate's blank expression, and tries to break through the awkward tension. "Kate, please say something. Are you okay with sleeping on the couch?" She asks, genuinely concerned about Kate's well-being.

"Don't have a choice, now do i?" Kate says coldly

Nika's heart aches at Kate's cold response, but she understands that Kate might be lashing out due to her emotional turmoil. She replies gently, "You're right. For now, it's best for you to sleep on the couch. It's for your own safety."