Morning sunlight leaked through the Sonder mansion's tall glass windows like a spotlight, warm and judgmental. I was already halfway through a plate of scrambled eggs and toast when I realized I didn't have the faintest idea how to excuse myself today.
"I think I'll have to go out today, but I'll be back in a few hours at best."
Eirlys was pouring tea for Hailie at the other end of the table, both of them chatting softly about something trivial, probably garden maintenance or some stock market thing I had no hope of keeping up with. They looked so calm at they turned their head over with slight confusion, so wealthy and so far removed from the itchy panic buzzing under my skin.
I stabbed at my eggs, spamming excuses in my head as they waited for elaboration. "I'm going to the library." Too nerdy, too suspicious. "I'm meeting a friend." What friend? I had zero. "I'm going for a walk." That one at least sounded human.
