1- Bittersweet Mornings

The morning sunlight filtered through Rose's bedroom curtains, casting a warm glow on her tear-stained face as she stirred from a restless sleep. Groggy-eyed and disoriented, she reached for her phone on the bedside table. A single text message sent her world into a tailspin.

"It's over, Rose. We're done."

The words hung in the air, a heavy weight that crashed into her chest. Panic set in, and Rose's trembling hands fumbled to dial Stephanie's number " He...he... broke up with me...."She stammered, the call got disconnected immediately she was done talking and she stared at her phone speechless for a while " I guess she's on her way" . 

Few minutes later , Stephanie, ever the loyal companion, rushed to Rose's house, a hurricane of anger and concern. "Where is he? I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!" she declared, fists clenched.

Rose held Stephanie back "He said I'm boring, Steph. I don't understand".

Stephanie's eyes widened in disbelief, her rage momentarily replaced by shock. Rose showed her the heart-wrenching text, and Stephanie's fiery resolve softened as she witnessed her friend's vulnerability. Stephanie set aside her initial urge for revenge and embraced Rose. "You're not boring, Rose. He doesn't deserve you."

Rose sighed softly and sat on a chair "It doesn't matter anymore " , Stephanie approached her " You're way more chill about this than I expected you to be ". Rose laughed sadly " Should I be crying? Or maybe screaming to the whole world that my boyfriend broke up with me..... He's the second guy to tell me that am boring.... what on earth do they want me to do..wear costumes and roleplay " She screamed , tears streaming down her face.

" I don't want to feel like this anymore Steph, it hurts" she whispered 

Stephanie felt like going on a killing spree as this was the first time she had ever seen her friend this vulnerable, walking up to Rose she hugged her " I'll never let anyone hurt you like this...I promise " she whispered back , her burning with rage and fierce determination.

After a few moments of shared solace, the girls decided to face the day together. As they descended the stairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted them. Rose's mother, Grace, sensing the heaviness in the air, looked at the girls with concern.

"What's going on?" she inquired, her eyes searching for answers.

With a heavy sigh Stephanie was about to explain the abrupt end of Rose's relationship when Rose held her hand and signalled to her to keep quiet " It's nothing mom" Rose replied before going to the dining table. Grace knew the girls were hiding something from her but she decided to overlook it.

Grace looked at Stephanie and said "Steph dear have breakfast with us ". Stephanie nodded, more than willingly to join them.

Amidst the awkward tension, Rose, Stephanie, and Rose's mother found themselves seated around the dining table. The warmth of freshly prepared food provided a strange contrast to the emotional turmoil. However, as they began to eat, a tentative sense of normalcy returned.

After eating both girls cleared the table, did the dishes and returned back to Rose's room , Roses quietly sat down on her bed looking dull. Stephanie obversed Rose's somber expression and suggested, "Hey, let's change the scenery. Why don't we head over to my place? Maybe a change of environment will help lift your spirits."

Rose looked up, her eyes reflecting the lingering sadness from the recent breakup " Not interested " She said, reluctant to leave the comfort of her room. Stephanie ignored her words and dragged her up from the bed " You're or else I'll tell your mom what happened and you know that won't go well" She threatened , Rose hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement. Stephanie offered a reassuring smile, hoping the change of setting might bring some positive energy.

As they walked down the quiet suburban street, Stephanie pondered ways to distract Rose from her melancholy. "I was thinking, maybe we could binge-watch that new series everyone's talking about at my place. Or we could bake some cookies or head over to your favorite cafe".

Rose nodded absentmindedly "Whatever".