Morning came without asking if I was ready.
I was.
At least, my body was.
I stood in front of the mirror already dressed for school, my bag slung over one shoulder, hair tied back neatly like nothing inside me was unraveling. Like I hadn’t spent half the night staring at the ceiling, replaying memories I didn’t want and feelings I couldn’t shut off.
I picked up my phone and walked out of my room before I could change my mind.
Downstairs was quiet. Too quiet. I turned toward the kitchen.
Zander was already there.
He stood by the counter with a mug in his hand, shoulders relaxed. The morning light cut across his face, softening lines that had no right to look gentle.
My stomach turned.
I looked away immediately.
I walked past him without a word and headed straight for the coffee ma
