There was a time I wouldn't think twice about just popping into Femke's office without even a toodly-do. We just had that kind of open relationship. But the last little while had left us strained and uncomfortable around each other, so I erred on the side of polite and sent her a gentle nudge to let her know Charlotte, Sage and I were on the way.
She welcomed me instantly, though with a touch of distance that still made me sad. I wished there was a way to repair the damage we'd done to our friendship. And we might find one, yet. But neither of us, it seemed, were prepared to be the bigger person and let everything go. Until that happened, I feared we'd continue to have this awkwardness where once there'd been only support and confidence in each other.