Page 143 of Glass Jawed
And for the first time in my entire life, I understand what it means to want to erase a moment from existence. Not rewind it. Not change it. Just—obliterate it. And I haveneverfelt like this.Never.
But I can’t change this.
Because it’s real.
And I’m still standing here.
Holding everything—being everything—she’s trying to forget.
The second she sees me—really sees me—something flickers in her expression. Surprise. Guilt. Maybe regret. But I can’t hold her gaze long enough to read it. My own drops before I even register the shift in her stance.
I walk the remaining few steps toward them.
I don’t speak until I’m right in front of Advik.
My throat feels like it’s wrapped in barbed wire, but I force the words out. They come low. Clipped. Mechanical.
“Thesherwani.”
I extend the paper bag.
Advik takes it after a second’s pause. His fingers brush mine, but I pretend they don’t. I don’t look at his face. I can’t. Not when I know exactly what it probably looks like—satisfied. Triumphant. Like I’ve beendefeated.
Again.
I reach into my other hand. The smaller bag. Aarohi’s.
Still without looking up, I hold it out.
She hesitates. For a moment I think she won’t take it.
But then she does.
No words pass between us. Not a thank you. Not even a fucking nod.
Just... silence.
And I want toscream. To ask her why. Or when. Or how she could. All theunreasonablequestions.
But I can’t even lift my goddamn head.
So I turn around.
My steps feel too loud in the empty hallway.
And behind me, they’re still there. Together.
I don’t look back.
Ican’tlook back.
Because I’m seconds away from breaking. And this time, I don’t want to be seen. I don’t want anyone to witness the moment I come undone.
So I walk.
Faster.
Out of the hallway. Out of that goddamn mansion.Out of her orbit.
