Uninvited guests

"Long time no see, Ann. You can't imagine how glad I am to see you again," the person spoke in a voice like a whisper, sincerity coloring her voice as she tightened her embrace around Joanna, showing how much she missed her.

Taking one of Joanna's hands to be held in her gloved ones after releasing the hug, she slowly straightened her back so that she stood upright. She then asked, "How have you been doing?" Her slightly teary blue eyes were on Joanna, and Joanna could see a glint of warmth in them. Yet she could not feel the warmth as if there was an invisible wall standing tall to block it from penetrating her heart.