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

CHAPTER 14 (Karas POV)

My phone buzzes. 

It’s Gwen. 

She’s sent me a photo of her shoulder — a fresh tattoo: XI XI MMVI. 

Gwen: i got a tattoo!! 
Me: O.M.G obsessed!! 

I grin at my screen. 
I’m happy Gwen’s happy. The tattoo is gorgeous — bold but delicate. Totally her. 

The rest of the day feels easy. I hang out with Hannah and Alfie between lectures. We sit outside, balancing overpriced coffees on our knees, laughing at jokes that aren’t even that funny. 

Alfie buys a chocolate bar and, without even asking, breaks it in half and nudges one piece toward me. 
“Fuel for the brain,” he says. 

I roll my eyes but take it anyway. 
“Don’t act like you’re not secretly the sweetest person alive,” I tease. 

His cheeks tint pink, just slightly. Hannah notices — of course she notices — and shoots me a smug little look over the rim of her cup. 

The afternoon drifts by. Classes. Scribbled notes. Glances at Alfie when I shouldn’t be glancing. 

When the last lecture ends, Hannah heads to her bus. Alfie offers to walk me part of the way, but I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.” 

So it’s just me, my bag, and the slow fall of dusk. 

The air is cooler now, the kind of chill that sneaks under your jacket. 

I start toward home. 

And when I reach the turn, I hesitate. The long way, past the main roads, lit by traffic and neon signs. Or the shortcut. The alleyway. 

It’s faster. 

I stand there for a second, chewing my lip. 

Then I step toward the shortcut.