The heavy metal door of the detention center clanged shut behind Brooke, the sound echoing through the sterile, dimly lit hallway. She stood there for a moment, blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights, her mind still reeling from the events of the past few hours. The humiliation of being arrested, the coldness of the jail cell, the fear that had gnawed at her insides – it was all still so vivid, so raw.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, the familiar silhouette a beacon of hope in the bleak surroundings. Lottie, her savior. Relief washed over Brooke, so potent it almost made her weak. She rushed towards Lottie, her steps faltering slightly.
"Lottie!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion. "You came."
Lottie's expression was a mixture of relief and exasperation. She embraced Brooke tightly, her hug conveying a silent reprimand. "Of course I came, darling," she said, her voice laced with concern. "What else could I do? Leave you here alone?"
