JAXSON.I was bent over behind the car, palms pressed against the metal, trying to get my lungs to cooperate. Every breath felt sharp, uneven, like my chest was working against me instead of with me. The air was cold, but sweat clung to my skin anyway. My heart was still racing, still refusing to calm down after what just happened inside.Then I heard it.A sound that didn’t belong to the night.Crying.My body reacted before my mind did. My head lifted slowly, heart stuttering once, hard—before slamming into my ribs. I knew that voice. I would recognize it anywhere. I had memorized it in silence, in distance, in regret.Tessa.I pushed myself upright, ignoring the dizziness, and followed the sound. Each step felt heavier than it should have, like the ground itself was testing whether I deserved to reach her.She was crouched down, arms wrapped around her knees, crying into them like the world had finally cracked her open. Seeing her like that hurt in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Smal
Last Updated : 2025-12-18 Read more