Chapter 62

Lila The sound of the morning birdsong outside my window grated against my ears as I grudgingly dragged myself out of bed. My limbs felt like lead, weighed down by the reluctance bubbling in my chest. The hardwood floor beneath my feet was cold, a jarring wake-up call that I could’ve done without. The bathroom mirror greeted me with a reflection that screamed exhaustion—hair a tangled mess and dark shadows under my eyes that even a full night's rest couldn’t erase. The warm water of the shower pounded against my skin, coaxing some of the tension from my muscles but doing little to soothe the unrest swirling in my head. The steam fogged the mirror, blurring my face when I stepped out and wrapped myself in a towel. I didn’t bother drying my hair properly, letting the damp strands cling to my neck as I rummaged through my wardrobe. Comfort over effort, I thought, pulling on a loose gray hoodie that had seen better days and black leggings that were one wash away from fading completely. My