I followed Nova outside.
“Nova,” I called, my voice cracking as I stepped after her.
She didn’t slow down. Didn’t turn. Just kept walking like she hadn’t heard me at all.
“Nova, please,” I said again, picking up my pace.
My chest burned as I ran after her, fear tightening around my ribs. I reached out and grabbed her hand.
She yanked it away like my touch burned her.
“What is wrong with you!?” Nova snapped, spinning around.
I froze for half a second. The anger in her eyes hit harder than I expected.
“I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I just want to talk.”
She shook her head and turned away again. “I don’t want to talk.”
I followed behind her, my steps uneven. “I know I wronged you. I disappointed everyone. I came back to apologize.”
She stopped walking.
Then she laughed—a sharp, bit
