(Karen’s POV – Present Tense)

When I wake up, the world outside feels too bright for the chaos in my head.

Anita’s apartment smells like coffee and cinnamon toast, the kind of comfort that almost makes me forget everything — until my phone vibrates on the table again. It’s been buzzing nonstop since sunrise.

Anita walks in from the kitchen, hair wrapped in a towel, a mug in her hand. “You probably don’t want to look at that.”

I groan, rubbing my eyes. “I probably don’t. ...