I accepted Travis’s camping invite without hesitation. After everything lately, I needed the distraction. Too much drama. I just wanted some quiet, some space to breathe.

We set up near the water, where the fire pit cracked and tents lined the clearing. The grill was already going. I pulled my jacket tighter. The wind was cool, and my right ear was aching again.

Quietly, I slipped into the seat beside Austin. It wasn’t planned. My ear throbbed on that side, and I subconsciously sat next to ...