Lisa’s son, Mike, couldn’t stop talking about his new friend, Sophie. Every day, it was “Sophie this, Sophie that.” Curious about the connection, Lisa finally agreed to meet Sophie’s mom. But when she opened the door, her world came crashing down—it was someone from her past.

Driving to the school, Lisa stole glances at Mike in the rearview mirror. He was staring out the window, the silence thick with the weight of their shared loss. Ever since his father’s death, Mike had become quieter, more withdrawn. She hoped this move would help them heal.

“Have a good day, sweetie! Be brave!” she called as he hopped out of the car.

When she picked him up later, Mike practically skipped to the car. “Mom! I made a new friend! Her name is Sophie!” His eyes sparkled with excitement.

Relieved, Lisa asked, “What happened today?”

“Sophie invited me to her house to play!” Mike exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.

“Let me talk to her parents first,” Lisa replied, her heart swelling with hope.

At home, Lisa texted Sophie’s mom, introducing herself and asking about the playdate. The reply was quick and cheerful: “Yes, Sophie already told me about it. We’d love to have Mike over!”

Relieved, Lisa felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this could be her chance to make a new friend, too.

The next day, they arrived at Sophie’s house. Mike knocked, and when the door opened, Lisa’s heart stopped. It was Alice—her high school nemesis.

“Lisa,” Alice said, her smile tight.

“Alice,” Lisa replied, feeling the old tension flare. They exchanged cold pleasantries as their children giggled and ran inside.

Sitting across from Alice, Lisa’s thoughts raced back to high school, where Alice had been the queen of popularity and Lisa, the target. The memories of humiliation flooded back: the teasing, the rumors, and prom night when Alice stole her date. The bitterness hung thick between them, and the evening felt like a replay of their high school drama.

Days later, Lisa received a call from Mike’s teacher, asking her to come to school. When she entered the office, her heart sank as she saw Alice sitting there.

“Mike has been bullying Sophie,” Miss Terry stated. Stunned, Lisa protested, “That’s impossible! They’re friends!”

Alice sighed, feigning concern. “I tried to handle it myself, but I had no choice.”

Lisa’s anger flared. “How dare you insult my parenting?”

After a heated exchange, Lisa stormed out, her heart racing. Tears streamed down her face as she drove home. Alice was still stirring up trouble after all these years.

A few days later, there was a knock at the door. Lisa opened it to find Alice, her expression softened. “I came to apologize,” she said.

Lisa stood frozen. “What do you want?”

“Sophie’s been crying. She misses Mike. I hate seeing her upset. I’m going to tell Miss Terry the truth tomorrow.”

Lisa was incredulous. “Why lie in the first place?”

Alice sighed, her eyes reflecting years of regret. “I was jealous of you. You had a loving family, and I ended up with a man who wasn’t good for me.”

The air between them shifted, and Lisa felt a glimmer of understanding. “So, you’re saying you’re sorry?”

“Can you forgive me?” Alice asked, vulnerability shining through.

“Come inside. Let’s start with some wine,” Lisa offered, stepping aside.

As Alice crossed the threshold, they embraced—awkwardly at first, then with sincerity. The weight of the past began to lift, and Lisa realized they were both carrying heavy burdens.

Maybe this was the fresh start they both needed.