2. My Friend’s Older Sister Asked for a “Favor”

I hadn’t seen her in years — not since we were awkward teenagers.

Now she opened the door in a silk robe and bare feet.

“Come in,” she said. “I need help with something… high shelf.”

Nothing in that kitchen was above her reach.

When I handed her the box, she didn’t take it.

Instead she said, “You got tall.”

Then her fingers stayed wrapped around my wrist.