Val’s P.O.V

The warm glow of my phone’s screen felt like a spotlight aimed directly at my nervous system—8:03 PM. We were officially late. I relented in making so many preparations as I planned to, time swept by so fast.

In my careless self, I was busy chatting with the girls who were ready but passing time with flimsy things, which led me to believe that I was actually lost in the group chat. My messages were full, and my phone never stopped beeping with notifications.

Brielle was ...