The hum of the school announcements buzzed faintly over the loudspeakers as Khrisana slumped into her seat, the weight of another day pressing on her shoulders. The voice that came next startled her school break was coming soon. Just a few days away. The words floated in the air, an almost foreign promise of time off and freedom. For a moment, Khrisana let herself imagine it: no alarms, no classrooms, no whispers or sideways glances. Just quiet space to breathe and maybe even be herself. But then her chest tightened, like the shadow of worry was waiting just behind that hope. Across the hallway, she caught sight of Shawn leaning by his locker, scribbling something in his notebook. Their eyes met briefly, and he gave a small, almost shy smile before looking away. Khrisana felt warmth spread under her skin, though she tried to keep her face calm. Shawn had that way of noticing her when no one else seemed to but what did it mean? Was it just kindness, or something more? She didn’t know yet, and the uncertainty made her uneasy and excited all at once.

At lunch, Khrisana slid between Amara and Jaylen at their usual table. The noise and chatter of the cafeteria faded around them like a bubble. Amara was bouncing with energy, clearly ready for the break. "Okay, so we have to do something fun this weekend. Like, a movie marathon and sleepover. And Jaylen can come too no exceptions," Amara said, grinning. Jaylen raised his eyebrows. "You sure? Last time we did ‘girls’ night,’ and I felt like a guest star." "Not this time," Amara said firmly. "It’s everyone’s night. Boys, girls, wild cards." Khrisana smiled softly at her friends. They were her anchor steady and real. Even when things felt messy inside, they made her feel like she belonged. "Sounds good," Khrisana said. "I could use a little distraction." Jaylen teased, "As long as there’s Oreos." "Of course," Amara promised. "I’ve already got a stash ready." The three of them laughed, and Khrisana let herself relax for the first time in days. Maybe this break wouldn’t be so bad. Later, as the final bell rang and students spilled into the hallways, Khrisana’s thoughts drifted homeward. The house was quiet now too quiet. The angry voices and slammed doors from weeks ago seemed like a distant nightmare. But the silence felt heavy, as if something unsaid was waiting in the shadows.

That evening, Khrisana sat on the edge of her bed, hoodie pulled tight around her, staring up at the ceiling. Her phone buzzed beside her, a soft glow in the dark. SHAWN: School break’s coming. What’s your plan? Wanna hang out sometime?  Her fingers trembled as they hovered over the screen. Part of her wanted to reply immediately, to say yes and feel that spark again. But another part hesitated, remembering how fragile everything still felt. How easily the good could slip away. She set the phone down slowly. Maybe some things were worth waiting for. The next morning, sunlight streamed through her window, casting long, hopeful shadows. At breakfast, her mother asked gently, "How was school yesterday?" "Okay," Khrisana said. "Amara and Jaylen are planning a movie night for the break." Her mom smiled, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "Sounds nice. You deserve that." Khrisana nodded but didn’t say more. The quiet love in that gesture felt like a balm to her bruised heart. Later that day, as she walked home from school with Amara and Jaylen, they chatted about the upcoming break, their voices light and full of plans. "I’m so ready for a break," Jaylen said. "No homework, no drama." "Me too," Amara agreed. "I’m thinking we do pizza and scary movies. And maybe some late-night talks" Khrisana smiled. "I like that."

As they approached her house, Khrisana hesitated outside the gate. The memories of her grandfather’s angry face, her aunt’s accusations  they hovered like ghosts. "I haven’t seen Grandpa or Aunt in a while," she said quietly. "Since… you know." Amara stopped and looked at her. "If you want, we can go together. You don’t have to face that alone." Jaylen nodded. "Yeah. We got you." For the first time in weeks, Khrisana felt a flicker of courage. Maybe with friends by her side, some things wouldn’t feel so scary. She took a deep breath and pushed open the gate.