Mag-log inVedant She’s not there when I return.A part of me had hoped against the odds that Chiara would still be there when I got back despite the late hour. But of course she’s not. She has a life outside of me.But what’s still there—and might be of some comfort to me—is my father’s liquor cabinet.Well,
Vedant I can’t believe that I’m back here already. Just hours ago, I had been here with Chiara. And in my mind, Iris had been alive.So much has changed, but I’m right back where I started the day. This time, though, I ask for where my father is when I arrive at the front desk.The nurse directs me
“Chiara,” I say. “Are you ok? Do you need something?”She shakes her head. “No. I’m fine.”But the truth is plainly different. She is burdened by something I can’t place.“Is there anything I can do? I know you must still be hurting–”“It’s not that,” she says, cutting me off.I blink. “Then what is
Chiara Vedant’s shoulders are slumped when he opens the door. His eyes are shadowed and unfocused, like he’s been drinking. It’s strange to see him like this when he’s always been so controlled and steady.But now he looks like something inside him has collapsed.I straighten at the sight of him, w
Vedant I go to the one place I know I still can return. Home. Even though I know my laptop is waiting for me there, devoid of any new messages from Iris. Because there will never be any new messages from her. Not anymore.Iris is dead.My chest still feels like it’s been cracked open, like someone
Vedant “What’s wrong?” Chiara’s worry is potent, and I feel immediately bad for causing her any additional harm while she’s recovering.“I, um…” I struggle to find the words. Are there even words to describe this? “I have to go.”I know I’m being abrupt, but I can’t have her see me like this. It’s
After Alice’s attack, I head to the bathroom and clean myself up the best that I can. I think about just heading home for the day, but I refuse to give her the satisfaction. When the blood has stopped and I am more or less presentable I hurry to class, slipping into my seat usual moments before the
When the lunch bell rings, I rush to the training field to spend my break training. It’s not ideal to train alone, but I’ve made it work before, and I will again.I start by running laps. I’m in pretty good shape from my long walks to and from school, but I know that I could be faster. Molly’s stren
The rest of the school day is agonizing. I find myself checking the clock over and over again, growing more and more dismayed when I see how quickly the time is passing. Before I know it the final bell sounds.I suppress a groan and peel myself out of my seat. I look at Vedant in the row above gathe
I do my best not to let my panic overwhelm me as Vedant comes to a stop in front of me. He pauses for a second as if unsure of what to say, or how to act. After a second, his expression hardens.“You’re Iris.” It’s an accusation.My heart beats faster in his chest and his words send me spiraling, bu







