Chapter 213 - Not Funny

The cafeteria is too bright. Too loud. Too crowded.

I sit across from Sadie and Tamrin, the smell of fried food and too-sweet juice making my stomach churn. They’re trying so hard not to stare at me, but their eyes keep darting up, just for a second, like they can’t help themselves. And I don’t blame them. I can feel the question hanging in the air between us, so thick it’s almost a sound.

I lower my gaze to my sandwich, picking at the edges of the bread. My hands shake slightly, but I press my palms flat against the table until it stops. Then I take a bite.

It feels like rocks in my mouth.

Chew. Swallow. Breathe. Repeat.

I do it again, but my throat feels too small, too tight. My stomach twists like it’s going to reject