A week after the accident, I turned my phone off. I pulled the curtains closed, let the city disappear behind blackout blinds, and made my room a space where time didn’t move.

I ignored Jay’s texts, Sophia’s calls, the brand deals waiting on answers. Even the new car Liam gifted me sat in the garage like a ghost of a life I didn’t recognize anymore.

I told Mom I didn’t want visitors. Not even her most days. Just water, maybe a snack. I wasn’t hungry. Not for food. Not for company. ...