t a shuddering breath, eyes fluttering shut as she tried to will her heart to stop its relentless pounding. Her chest rose and fell in rapid bursts, palms clammy, forehead

dded again, blinking as her memory sharpened. "Yeah, yeah, I remember now. It was... manufactured by Radfords Automobile Company, wasn't it?" "Exactly." Judith pointed at her as if awarding her a gold star. "And who did Google say owns Radfords Automobile?" "Alfred Radford," Ann said slowly, remembering it like it was yesterday. Judith's eyes narrowed with dramatic flair. "And who's Rex Radford's father?" Ann's brows drew together. "You mentioned Alfred Radford... wait-" She didn't even get the sentence out. Her eyes widened in sheer horror, her mouth opening in a gasp so deep it sounded like she'd been punched in the gut. Her fingers lost grip on her school bag, which dropped to the floor with a heavy thud. Judith barely managed to catch her as she staggered backward, her face drained of color. "Oh no," Ann whispered, as realization hit her like a freight train. "Oh no, no, no." Judith helped steady her, panic rising in her own chest. "Ann, breathe. You're freaking me out." But Ann couldn't speak. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. It was as though her mind was short-circuiting. They left the washroom in tense silence. Judith kept a gentle grip on her friend's wrist, making sure Ann didn't collapse from sheer mortification. The walk across campus felt like a fever dream. The colors were too bright. The air too heavy. The few students they passed whispered behind cupped hands, casting curious glances their way. Ann barely noticed. By the time they reached Judith's car and drove to Ann's modest apartment, the silence between them had become unbearable. Judith parked the van and helped Ann inside. The apartment was a small but cozy place. Warm colors, soft cushions, well-worn books stacked in corners. A haven from the chaos of the outside world. But not today. Today it felt like the air had been sucked out of it. Ann collapsed onto the far corner of the couch like someone who'd just survived a disaster. Judith perched at the opposite end, watching her with wide eyes. Ann didn't move. She was staring at nothing. Judith cleared her throat, trying to lighten the mood. "Okay, so... today was a little intense, but-hey-maybe he'll forget it happened? I mean, he probably gets insulted by jealous girls and boys all the time. Right?" No answer. "I mean... Avirina and her minions won't let it go, obviously. But honestly? They were already out to get you. What's one more reason?" She forced a laugh that didn't quite land. "Oh my gosh... I knew this year was cursed. I didn