I turned on the TV, needing noise to fill the void.
The local news was already covering it.
"Drama at the XE corp Gala tonight as shocking allegations surface..."
My face flashed on the screen, just for a second, a grainy photo someone must have taken with their phone. Then Kael's. Then Aria's.
The reporter's voice was neutral, careful, but the implication was clear: scandal. Betrayal. Chaos.
I watched it all play out, detached, like I was observing someone else's life.
My phone buzzed.
Finally.
I snatched it up,
Mom.
I declined the call.
It buzzed again. Dad this time.
Declined.
And again. And again.
I turned my phone face-down on the couch cushion and pressed my palms to my eyes until colors bloomed behind my eyelids.
This was supposed to work.
This was supposed to bring her back.
So why did it feel like I'd just pushed her further away?
...
The weekend passed in a blur.
