~Samantha Lee~ The sound that escaped Claire's lips wasn't one of concern or surprise, it was a laugh. A light, airy, utterly dismissive laugh that made the hairs on my arms stand up. She tilted her head and gave me a look I'd only ever seen teachers give to students who'd asked a spectacularly stupid question. "Hate you?" she repeated, the corner of her mouth twitching into a condescending smile. "Samantha, why on earth would I hate you? That's... wow. That's a little dramatic, don't you think?" My jaw was so tight I could feel a headache blooming behind my eyes. "I'm not trying to be dramatic, Claire," I said, "I'm trying to understand." "There's nothing to understand," she said, "I was worried, that's all. Tyler and I... we've been in each other's pockets since we were in diapers. Our moms are best friends, he's practically the brother I never had. When we go out and I can’t find him, it's only natural for me to be concerned, for both of you." I felt a wave of exhaustion wash
Last Updated : 2025-10-11 Read more