The silence that followed pressed in on me from all sides. The café, which had felt loud and crowded only moments ago, seemed to recede, the chatter dulling into a distant hum. I could feel my heartbeat in my throat, heavy and insistent, as if my body was trying to remind me that I was still here. Still breathing. Still holding everything together by sheer will. “I think…” I began, then stopped, swallowing hard. “I think I’m going to head back home.” Mia straightened immediately. “Thea—” “I’m just tired,” I added quickly, standing before she could protest. My chair scraped loudly against the floor, drawing a few glances our way. I ignored them. I had reached my limit. I could feel it in my bones, that familiar tightness in my chest that warned me if I stayed any longer, I’d break right there between half-drunk coffees and strangers’ conversations. Mia stood too, her concern now fully unmasked. “You’re not going alone.” “I can order a ride,” I said automatically, alre
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