ARYA

I hadn't spoken in days. I sat curled on the velvet armchair in Daxton's bedroom, wearing one of his old hoodies. It still smelled like cedar, spice, and him. Rain tapped softly against the glass, and I zoned out.

Maya came first.

She knelt beside me, gently brushing my knotted hair behind my ear. "Arya, I'm here, okay?" Her voice cracked. "You don't have to say anything. You don't have to move. Just... know that I'm here."

I didn't respond. She settled by the chair, ...