“I Thought They…

She was talking to Ryan.yes

I didn’t move. I didn’t breathe. Something inside me tightened in a way I couldn’t explain.

When they noticed me, everything shifted too quickly. Smiles. Casual tone. A story about a school project that didn’t quite land.

I nodded like I believed them.

I didn’t.

That night, I didn’t sleep.

Avery had been distant for weeks. Not in the usual teenage way. This was different. Controlled. Careful. Like she was constantly choosing what not to say.

The next day, Ryan said he was taking her out to buy supplies.