Chapter 55

The apartment felt too quiet when I got back from my mother’s place. The lights were off, the hallway dim, and everything seemed still—like the air was holding its breath. I slipped off my shoes slowly, careful not to wake anyone. Lily was already asleep in her room. I peeked in, just to check. She was curled up under her pink blanket, hugging her stuffed bunny, her soft breathing barely audible. I didn’t go to my room. I didn’t want to lie awake staring at the ceiling again. I needed air. I needed noise. I needed to feel like myself, even if only for a few hours. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick message to Logan. Me: I’ll be back late. Don’t wait up. No explanation. Just that. I left the apartment and walked into the night. The sky outside was a deep gray-blue, not completely dark yet. The wind was cool against my skin, brushing through my hair like a whisper. My chest still felt heavy—tight from the things my mother had said. I could still see Jordan’s eyes, wide with fear as I