Maya’s pov

The mall hummed, a constant, low thrum of a thousand conversations, distant pop music, and the rush of air conditioning.

Bright lights streamed down from the high ceiling, bouncing off polished floors and glittering storefronts.

It was a stark contrast to the heavy feeling still weighing on my chest from that night.

Daniel, my brother, was battling some invisible enemy, some war I only vaguely understood, hinted at by his tired eyes and the tension in his jaw.

And then ...