Patrick ran a trembling hand through his curls, visibly rattled. “This is insane,” he muttered, still reeling from the shock.

Diane, still sniffling, smiled through her tears. “She called you a golden bird,” she said with a grin. “That’s still the best nickname you’ve ever had.”

It was strange—there I was, standing in the middle of my room, and yet I felt more connected to them than I had in months. A feeling of warmth spread through me, and for the first time in what felt ...