AMBER POV
The gym was alive with music and laughter, a sea of students swaying under the twinkling canopy of fairy lights. The theme, thanks to my stubborn cousin, had been executed flawlessly, and yet the charm of it all failed to soothe the tight knot in my stomach. I stood near the punch table, clutching a plastic cup in my hand like it was a lifeline, the sickly sweet smell of artificial fruit wafting up to me. I’d taken exactly two sips before deciding it was better to hold onto than drink.
Vic, of course, was in her element. She was on the dance floor, her silver dress swirling as Malcolm twirled her around. They made a striking pair, spinning and laughing under the faux starlit canopy overhead. Her laughter carried over the music, light and carefree, and for a moment, I envied h
