The days after Lila’s visit felt like they were stretching thinner and thinner, like a rubber band pulled to its limit. I spent most of my time in the room trying to focus on my studies, but every time I opened a book or looked at my notes. Damien had promised me it was all lies, but the doubt had taken root. It grew in the quiet moments, when he wasn’t watching me, when I was alone with my thoughts.
That morning, I sat at the dining table with my laptop open, reviewing my final paper notes for the advanced corporate law seminar. The deadline was approaching fast, and the thought of missing it in person made my chest tight. I had worked too hard for this. Columbia was supposed to be my way out, my future. Being locked away here felt like losing that piece of myself all over again.
Damien
