Bonus Chapter - Cynthia's Plight, Part One

{September 17, 221 2E} 

The cozy living room of Emma's home was filled with the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the walls.

Cynthia lounged on the comfortable couch, her legs draped over one armrest, while Emma sat on the adjacent recliner. The air was filled with the low hum of conversation and the occasional laughter, the perfect backdrop to their carefree hangout.

Emma absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, occasionally pausing to show Cynthia a funny picture or a cute cat video.

Cynthia, in turn, was engrossed in her own device, swiping through news articles and updates from the various organizations she belonged to.

"Hey, have you seen this one?" Emma exclaimed, holding her phone up to Cynthia's face, displaying an adorable puppy trying to climb a staircase. Cynthia chuckled, glancing at the screen.

"That's adorable," Cynthia said, a smile playing on her lips.