Episode 37

I knocked on the door of Sheba’s apartment, holding a bouquet of roses in my hand. I hoped that my sister would be happy to see me, especially after what we had gone through.

I had been trying to reach Sheba for days, but she never answered her phone or replied to my messages. I was worried sick about her.

Sheba opened the door and I gasped. She looked terrible. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, her hair was messy and unkempt, and her clothes were wrinkled and stained. She looked like she hadn’t slept or eaten in days.

“Jane?” Sheba said in a weak voice.

“Hi, sis,” I said, forcing a smile. “I brought you some flowers.”

I handed the roses to Sheba, who took them without enthusiasm.

“Thank you,” she said, but she didn’t smile.

“Can I come in?” I asked.

“Sure,” she said, stepping aside.

I entered the apartment and looked around. It was a mess. There were dishes piled up in the sink, clothes scattered on the floor, and papers strewn on the table. The air was stale and stuffy.

“W