d bags resting by the bed-silent reminders of the upheaval I never asked for. After the meeting, we were given barely half an hour to

as, I got used to this place. I learned how to stay invisible here. I found routines, silent corners, and people who looke

and the cruel whispers began dying down. I was just another g

es is a worn photograph with soft edges and fading colors. My fingers brush against it before I gently pull it out, as if handling something sac

par

he ones I would've g

who gav

ng my hair and braiding it just the way I liked before dragging me to their friend's parties, promising me chocolate if I behaved. Dad used to let me ride on his back, p

ove me, di

me-maybe the most foolish part-clings to them, fiercely and unreasonably. That's why I carry this photo with me whereve

back inside the suitcase, carefully tucked

ys as she walks into my room, her voice

rabbing my bags.

e, concern flickering in h

motion still clinging to my voice. But th

"Were you a

say anything else, her arms are around me in an

iercely into my shoulder. "D

ull away with a soft smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. "Now

fortified compound than what we were used to. Surprisingly, we were told that we'd be living in houses now-actual homes, with

and distributing our tasks, Declan leaves to se

us-me, Lina, Percy, Kyla, Damon, Angela, and Brandon-while Percy d

t we do here. That means no socializing," Percy declares coldly

ust because you're starting at the new school tomorrow doesn't mean you get t

my skin. I swallow

ltiple piercings line his ears, and his arms are a canvas of tattoos that scre

pread rumors about me, turned people against me, made sure no one dared to sit near me.

"Lee knows what she's doing. You don't have to hove

ponse, she grabs my arm a

, another for Kyla and Angela. Damon and Brandon share one downstairs, while Per

es," Lina grumbles, droppi

beside hers. "Don't stress yourself over

nge into something comfortable, I join Lina in unpacking and arranging our small closet. By the time we're finished, t

muffled by her pillow, "wha

at her

ol! You're going to make new friends, obviou

ercy, right? No socializing. No friends.

good at until you try, Lee. And you've already survived so much. You d

ng comes with consequences in our world. And any

versation away from dangerous hop

a replies with a roll of her eyes. "Basical

uietly. "

d y

ainment and ser

rows. "Where

ply, already tired ju

... at least you'll be around hot guys in

into laughter, the tension f