This story contains mature themes including emotional trauma, mental health struggles, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised

CHAPTER 10 (Kara's POV)

The ceiling in my room has way too many cracks. 
I count them. 
Then I lose track. 
Then I start again. 

It’s past midnight. 
I’ve scrolled through TikTok, stared at the wall, stared at the inside of my eyelids, and now I’m just... lying here. Wide awake. My brain won’t stop spinning.

The muffled moans tells me enough about what is happening on the other side of the wall in Charlie's room.

I grab my phone and open WhatsApp. 
I stare at Alfie’s name. I saved his number after that group chat thing earlier. He hasn’t messaged me since. 

Should I? 
No. 
Yes? 
Ugh. 

I type: 

me: hey 

Then I stare at it for a full minute. 
What am I even expecting? That he’ll respond instantly? That we’ll magically fall in love at 12:32 a.m.? 

I press send anyway. 

I lock my phone and throw it on the bed beside me. 
Regret. Immediate regret. 

But then — 
Buzz. 
My phone lights up. 

Alfie: hey 
Alfie: ur still awake? 

I smile, a little. 
  

me: yeah. couldn’t sleep. brain’s loud. 
Alfie: same tbh 
Alfie: u nervous about uni stuff? 
me: kind of. i think my brain’s just addicted to overthinking tbh 
Alfie: relatable af lol 

I curl into the blanket more, the light from the screen soft on my face. 
It feels weirdly easy. Safe. 

me: what are u overthinking about 
Alfie: everything 
Alfie: future. people. myself lol 
me: heavy 
Alfie: yeah sry 
me: don’t be. honesty >>> fake happy 

There’s a pause. 

Then— 

Alfie: u ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out 
me: yes. all the time. 
me: but then i remember we’re all just faking it and hoping no one notices 

He reacts to the message with a laughing emoji. 
Then another message comes in: 

Alfie: i forgot how chill u were lol 
me: lol thanks? 
Alfie: like in school u never tried too hard. in a good way. i always thought that was cool 
me: stop ur gonna make me blush 

I regret that message the second I sent it. 
Too much. Too flirty? 

Alfie: lol sorry 

A pause. Then: 

Alfie: but i meant it 

I stare at the message for a long time. 

Something shifts in my chest. Not fireworks or anything. Just… warmth. A small, quiet kind of warmth. The kind that settles in and doesn’t demand anything. 

me: i’m glad we’re talking again 
Alfie: me too 

I feel a smile tug at my lips. 

I don’t know what this is. 
I don’t know what it’s becoming. 
But right now, it feels nice. Like I’m not completely alone in this strange new phase of life. 

Alfie: Wanna meet up at Costa at like 12 tommorrow?