Ariana’s POV
The soft buzz of my phone broke the silence just as I settled into bed.
A faint glow filled the room.
> Zack: Hey. You okay? You looked a little off earlier.
My thumb hovered above the screen. The words were simple, but they sank deep. He’d noticed—he always did. I stared at the message until the brightness blurred in my eyes.
> Ariana: I’m fine. Just tired.
I hit send and let the phone fall beside me. The blanket brushed my chin as I curled on my side. The night air drifted through the half-open window, cool against my legs. Moonlight painted silver lines across my sheets, and I told myself I’d check if he replied. But before I could, sleep claimed me.
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Morning light cut through the curtains, too bright, too harsh.
The nausea came before I even sat up. It hi
