l King

he living room, her eyes darti

ane? Abigail's still u

ression gentle and reassuring. "Ignore Abigail," he said softly. "C

y in their eyes. Their silent sympathy burned my skin like

urned and walked toward the bedroom. I pulled a sui

Abigail, please, don't do this," she cried, tears streaming down her face again. "

wing up next door to each other. Her parents goin

n. We shared clothes, food, and secrets. Chloe swore she'd always be my best

ith college applications. We dreamed of going to the same universi

aleb ca

but she'd already blocked my number. She was gone -

t friendship. It was a joke. Those memories, those years - they'

Chloe," I hissed. "Don't act like you car

led backward and fell t

dercloud, rushed to her side. He knelt down to ch

appy now? You pushed her!" he roar

betrayed me - was now demanding I apologize for "pushing" her, even though she'd f

"No, Dane, it's okay. Abigail's just upset. I understand. It's my fault." Her words were

sentials into my suitcase. When I came out again, only Dane and

of her mouth. Dane knelt before her, gently applying ointment to her knee. He stroked h

voice soft and firm. "I'm here. No on

phant little laugh. She nodd

the door. The wheels rumble

ing?" His voice was cold, dismissive.

ixed on the door. My voice was calm