Jossy stood at LAX airport, not believing it had been over a year since she was last here. Time had gone by so fast. The familiar noise of the city hit her all at once, the bright lights, the towering terminals, and the crowds moving in every direction made her feel both at home and overwhelmed. Hazel, already waiting at the arrivals area, waved eagerly, and Jossy rushed forward, hugging her tightly.
"Thank you for picking me up," Jossy said, a little breathless. "The city feels so new. I lived here for eight years since I was seventeen, and now, now I feel like a visitor."
Hazel laughed softly and wrapped an arm around her as they made their way to the car. "You'll get your bearings again," she assured her. "And tonight is going to be fun, you'll see."
By the time they arrived at Hazel's apartment, Jossy had started to settle into the rhythm of the city again, her nerves easing.