Ariana (POV)
My eyes were closed, but sounds were leaking in—a low, rhythmic beep, hushed voices. When I finally forced my eyelids open, the first thing I saw was a ceiling painted black, dotted with tiny, glowing stars. It was mesmerizing, like staring up at a private night sky.
I smiled, and “Wow.” Escaped my mouth.
A sudden, sharp pain lanced through my chest, forcing a choked gasp from my lungs. My words were locked up again, trapped deep inside. Every effort to speak made my chest ache and sent hot, uncontrollable tears streaming down my face.
I sighed and brushed my messy hair back. That’s when I saw the needle—an IV string taped to my arm. Where am I? What happened? Numbness swept over me, and the trauma of the schoolyard, the flour, the eggs, and Ginger’s betrayal flashed behin
