101
~Dylan’s POV
I froze for half a second after Velma turned away from Eva.
That was all it took.
She picked up her bag, her movements sharp and controlled, as if, if she slowed down, she might crack. I knew that walk. I had watched her do it for years. The walk she used when she was done. Not angry anymore. Not arguing. Just finished.
“Velma,” I called without thinking.
She did not turn.
Panic hit me hard in the chest. It was sudden and loud. Like a door slamming shut inside me.
I moved after her.
But Eva stepped into my path.
“Where do you think you are going?” she asked, her voice high and shaking, her eyes wild.
I stopped short. My body went stiff with frustration.
“Move,” I said.
She laughed. A sharp, broken sound that did not carry humor. “You are chasing her? Again?” S
