The morning sun spilled golden light across the city, waking Lila with a sense of unease she could not shake. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor, her mind racing with thoughts about Kade. Ever since their last encounter, she had felt a strange mixture of anger, confusion, and curiosity. Every time she tried to focus on her schoolwork or her friends, Kade’s face appeared uninvited, lingering in her mind like a shadow she could not chase away.
Lila dressed slowly, choosing a soft blue blouse and a pair of jeans that felt comfortable. She wanted to appear calm, even though her heart was not. Breakfast was quiet. Her mother hummed a tune while preparing eggs, unaware of the storm brewing in Lila’s thoughts. Lila took a deep breath, reminding herself that she needed to make d
