"Stop talking to Ethan. He's not good for you. Every interaction lately has left you upset or stressed or embarrassed. That's not a friendship. That's not anything healthy."
Isabelle was quiet for a long moment, staring out the window.
Then she nodded, the motion small but decisive—like a chicken bobbing its head.
"Okay," she said softly. "Okay, you're right. I'll… I'll keep my distance."
"Good," Sebastian said with approval.
They pulled up to the Tian residence a few minutes later.
Sebastian walked Isabelle to her door, making sure she was steady on her feet.
"Are you going to be alright?" he asked.
"Yeah," Isabelle said, managing a small smile. "Thanks to you."
She hesitated, then stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Sebastian," she murmured against his chest. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Sebastian returned the hug, his hand gently stroking her hair. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be better."
