Sophia’s P.O.V

As I step out of the car, Veronica gives me a half-hearted wave, her eyes still shining with concern, before driving off. The familiar sound of her tires crunching against the gravel fades as I make my way towards the building.

My mind drifts to the thought of the bruise on my face, the one I tried to cover with layers of concealer this morning. I can still feel the tightness of the makeup on my skin, like a mask that keeps the world from seeing what’s really ...