(HAILEY’S POV)

The water was the only place that still felt like mine.

It was cool against my skin, calm and blue, unlike everything else around me. I pushed forward in another lap, the sound of the water rushing past my ears, drowning out every thought. My body moved automatically, arms cutting through, legs kicking in rhythm.

I didn’t stop until my lungs burned.

When I finally came up for air, I gasped, tilting my head back as the sun hit my face. My chest rose and fell as I floated ...