Before she could plummet any further into the abyss, Esther yanked herself up with the thought of an impromptu night out. A cheap one—the end of the month was fast approaching, and Esther was running on fumes. Raking through her brain, she recalled something about a rock night down at the S.U.—that would do. All she needed now was to rally the troops. Skipping across the corridor, Esther rapped a jaunty rhythm on Daisy’s door just as it started to open.

“Daisy!” She flung her arms open and enveloped Daisy in a hug, only to get tangled up in the yoga mat hitched over Daisy’s shoulder. “I didn’t know you did yoga on Saturdays.”

“You know what day it is!”

Ignoring Daisy’s delight, Esther spun her around and bundled her back into her room so she could get changed into something more lively. “Exactly. It’s the weekend. Time for a bit of fun.”

“Yoga is fun!”

“Not as fun as a wild night out. Me, you, Susan—”

“I have plans!” Daisy slipped out of Esther’s grasp and laid a firm hand on the door, preventing further ministrations.

This was unexpected. Daisy was supposed to be the compliant one.

“Couldn’t you change those plans?”

Daisy’s frown was not of the familiar confused variety, and it took Esther a moment to understand it was because she’d annoyed her. “No. I can’t.”

“Not even for me? Please?” Esther dropped to her knees, eyes widening into pools of pure hope, hands clasped in supplication. “I’d cancel my plans for you . . .”

It was supposed to be persuasive, but, judging by the look Daisy was giving her, it was anything but. Esther rose to her feet, awkward and uncomfortable under Daisy’s stern stare.

“Being a good friend isn’t just about canceling your plans when someone needs you—it’s about respecting plans that have already been made. I’m going to yoga, and you’re welcome to come with me—”

Esther’s derisory snort was reflexive, and she regretted it instantly.

“You don’t like yoga. I understand.” Daisy laid a hand on Esther’s shoulder, and her voice wasn’t without kindness when she added, “But you need to understand that I don’t like crowded dance floors and loud music.”

After giving Esther a reassuringly affectionate squeeze, Daisy left. Never one to be deterred, Esther decided to try her luck with Susan, thumping insistently on the door to number 13 before trying the handle.

Locked. Getting her phone out, Esther dialed Susan’s number, ear pressed to the door, but when the call connected, the room remained silent.

One ring . . . two . . . three? No answer. Esther hammered out a message.

Where are you???

Out, came the reply.

You’re never out!