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Sebastian: Please. Can I come by?

Sebastian: I miss you.

A soft knock at the door interrupts my reading, and I lock my phone.

“Lil?” Jason’s muffled voice filters through. “You okay in there?”

I sigh, dragging myself out of bed and opening the door. Jason stands there, his brow furrowed with concern.

“I’m fine.”

He raises an eyebrow. “I made food again.”

“Thanks, I’ll eat later.”

“Your uncle asked about you. You should call him back.”

I bite my lip, glancing back at the discarded phone on my bed. “I will.”

“Come on, let’s eat.”

We eat in silence, the scrape of forks against plates echoing in the small kitchen. The food tastes like ash in my mouth, but I force myself to swallow each bite. Jason keeps glancing at me, but he doesn’t push, like the last days.

After he leaves, I retreat to my room and strip off my joggers, crop top, and underwear, leaving a trail to the bathroom. The shower sputters to life, and I step under the scalding spray, hoping the heat will thaw the ice in my veins.

I can’t hide forever.

Letting the water cascade over me, I close my eyes. It’s a small comfort, but I’ll take what I can get.

I step out, feeling a bit more human again. The hot water seems to have washed away some of the numbness that’s been clinging to me like a second skin.

I wrap myself in a towel, grab my phone, and answer the messages of my uncle and brothers, saying I’m fine. I’m about to hide in my bed, when a new notification pops up.

Gemma: Hey, Mary and I are having a movie night tonight if you want to join. No pressure, but we’d love to see you, and maybe we could talk?

A smile tugs at my lips, the first real one in days.

I throw on some clothes and head to Mary and Gemma’s place, my stomach twisting with nerves.

Is this okay?

Uncle Marc told me to end the friendship. But… it’s my life, right? I don’t want to lose my best friends. It’s my decision.

I ring the doorbell, shifting from foot to foot as I wait. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them. Will things be awkward?

The door swings open, and Gemma freezes, her eyes wide. “Lil?”

I offer a tentative smile. “Hey. Uhm… Movie night, right?”

Her mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. “I… yeah, of course. Come in.” She steps aside, her movements stiff and uncertain.

I walk past her, my hands growing clammy, although the apartment is warm and inviting.

She closes the door behind me. “Lil, I don’t know where to start.”

I turn to face her. “And I don’t know what to say. I’ve been a shitty friend.”

She shakes her head, her eyes glistening. “No, you’re not. I’m so sorry. I had no idea about our families, about any of it.”

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