(Avery)
We walked together down the hall, Jackson’s hand still in mine. I could tell he felt better. I did too. It felt good knowing we were finally talking again. Elias joked beside us and Luca laughed at something under his breath. For a few minutes it felt normal, like nothing could touch us.
But the bell rang, pulling us back to reality. Lunch was over. Jackson gave my hand a squeeze before we split for class, and I carried that small comfort with me the rest of the day.
Classes dragged by. I tried to focus on the lessons, but my mind kept drifting to what was waiting after school. Mom and Dad were coming for me. I had not told the others yet, but they were about to see.
***
When the final bell rang, I walked with Jackson, Elias, and Luca to the front doors. My chest tightened whe
