CHAPTER 74:

THE road home felt longer than usual. Xaniyah kept her head down as she walked, her school bag heavy against her shoulder, every step dragging like her body was resisting movement itself.

She just wanted to get home. To be alone and think about everything. But she's too tired to walk quickly.

“Xaniyah!”

She heard a voice behind her and turned abruptly, only to see Ayel hurrying toward her. He finally caught up, slightly breathless, walking beside her now.

She kept her ...