Page 27 of Boulder's Weight

Astra nods, but her eyes are knowing. "Everyone needs protection sometimes, Kelsey. Even those who are used to handling things on their own."

Her words follow me as I leave the café, stepping into the cooling evening air.

I scan the street instinctively, looking for anything out of place, anyone watching.

That's when I notice it—the same car that passed by the café multiple times during my shift, now parked across the street.

The driver is obscured by shadows, but I can feel their gaze on me like a physical touch.

My heart races as I quicken my pace, taking an indirect route home.

I make four unnecessary turns, doubling back once to confirm my suspicion.

The car is following me.

Panic rises in my throat, choking me.

I duck into a busy shop, moving quickly through the aisles to the back exit.

Once outside, I break into a run, weaving through alleys and side streets until I'm certain I've lost them.

By the time I reach my apartment, I'm gasping for breath, legs shaking.

I lock the door behind me, then check the windows, drawing the curtains tight.

Only then do I check my phone.

A new message waits, and my stomach plummets when I read it:

Hope you liked your new life, you won't be living it for much longer. - B

Benji.

It's definitely Benji.

He never could resist signing his threats.

I sink to the floor, back against the door, as the reality of my situation crashes over me.

They're getting closer.

Somehow, they've tracked me to Mexico.

My phone buzzes again, but this time it's not a threat.

It's a name I don't expect to see: Boulder.

Wanna meet up again before you go back home?

Even though I’m a little shaken, a small smile tugs at my lips.

The simplicity of his message, the normalcy of it, feels like a lifeline in the chaos of my reality.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I text back:

Maybe. Depends.

I stare at the sent message, already regretting its honesty.

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