PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 61: The Talk

Maya chuckled weakly, acknowledging the truth in Andy's words.

She nodded, her voice filled with appreciation, "Yeah, you're probably right. I'm pretty wiped out right now. Thanks for being here for me, Andy."
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Andy put a gentle hand on Maya's shoulder, her tone filled with sincerity.

She spoke, her voice soft yet firm, "No need to thank me, Maya. We're friends, and we look out for each other. Now, let's get you to Carina so you can get some answers and hopefully some rest."

Maya felt a sense of gratitude towards Andy, her friend's unwavering support reminding her that she wasn't alone in this.

She managed a faint smile, her voice filled with weary appreciation, "You're the best, Andy. Let's get this over with."

Andy gave her a small, reassuring smile in response.

She spoke, her voice filled with a mix of understanding and encouragement, "Right. Let's go."

As they walked out to Andy's car, the cool evening air providing a brief moment of freshness, Maya silently hoped that the upcoming conversation with Carina wouldn't drain her further. She was at the brink of exhaustion, and the thought of dealing with their issues seemed daunting. But she knew they had to face the situation head-on, for better or worse.

Andy helped Maya settle into the passenger seat, making sure she was comfortable. The car ride was mostly silent, filled with the hum of the engine and the steady rhythm of the tires against the pavement. Andy occasionally cast a glance at Maya, her concern evident in her eyes. Maya, on the other hand, was lost in her thoughts, trying to mentally prepare herself for the encounter with Carina.

As they drove towards the park, Maya couldn't help but let her mind wander to the events of the day. The unexpected diagnosis, the shock and confusion it brought, and the ensuing argument with Carina all seemed like too much for one day. Exhaustion tugged at her eyelids, but she forced herself to stay awake, knowing that this conversation was crucial.

After a few minutes, they finally pulled into the park parking lot. Maya looked out the window, her mind a flurry of emotions as she spotted Carina's car parked nearby. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the upcoming confrontation.

Andy spoke up, her voice filled with support, "You ready?"

Maya let out a weary sigh, her voice reflecting her exhaustion and the emotional weight of the situation.

She spoke, her tone weary yet resolute, "As much as I can be, I guess. Let's do this."

Andy nodded, her gaze filled with concern but also with unwavering support for her friend. She spoke, her voice gentle yet firm, "Okay. Just remember, you don't have to solve everything tonight. Take it one step at a time. And if it gets too much, you can call me, and I'll come pick you up. Deal?"

Maya sent Andy a grateful smile, feeling a sense of comfort in her friend's steady presence.

She spoke, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and weariness, "Deal. Thanks, Andy. I really appreciate it."

With that, Maya took a deep breath, knowing the time had come to face Carina and whatever awaited them in the conversation.

Andy nodded, her eyes conveying understanding and reassurance. She gave Maya one last encouraging smile before Maya got out of the car. With each step towards Carina's car, Maya could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her, but she forced herself to keep moving. This conversation was necessary, and as much as she wished to avoid it right now, she knew they owed it to each other to talk.