A Distraction
Later that day, after Ellen had spent too much time lost in thought over the photo albums, she heard a doorbell ring at her door. The sharp sound pulled her out of her daze. She stood from the couch, brushing her hands over her clothes to smooth them out, and headed to the door.
Opening it, Ellen found Helga standing on her doorstep, a bright smile on her face. "Hey, Ellen!" Helga greeted cheerfully, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She was dressed casually, yet stylishly, in a floral blouse and jeans, looking like she was ready for a fun day out. "I thought I'd swing by and pick you up. I figured we could hit the mall and hang out for a bit."
Ellen blinked, surprised but pleasantly so. She hadn't expected a visit from Helga today, but maybe this was exactly what she needed to take her mind off things. "That sounds great," Ellen said, her lips curving into a small smile. "But why the sudden invitation?"