The bell rang, sharp and merciless, slicing through the fragile moment between them.
Lori flinched, then cursed softly under her breath. “Damn it.”
Iva wiped her cheeks quickly, forcing herself to inhale, to straighten her spine. “We’ll talk later,” she said quietly. “I promise.”
Lori searched her face, reluctant to let it go, but nodded. “Later,” she agreed. “Don’t disappear on me.”
“I won’t,” Iva replied, though she wasn’t entirely sure that was true.
They walked back toward the school together, shoulders brushing, silent but united. Still, the second half of the day passed no better than the first. If anything, it felt worse. Every class dragged on endlessly, every whispered laugh felt louder, every glance heavier.
By the final bell, Iva felt hollowed out.
Mentally exhausted.
Ph
