Cass Winfield parked her car in the crowded school lot, the morning sun reflecting off the hood she had finally fixed. The dent the one that had sparked a chain of chaos, humiliation, and relentless attacks was gone, but the memories of that moment still lingered like a shadow in her mind. She turned off the ignition and exhaled, trying to steady herself for the day ahead.
Her thoughts drifted to Lena. She had spent the weekend with her at the supermarket and the park, and the warmth of that connection still made her chest lighter. How could I have been so selfish to worry about everyone else when I didn’t even know this girl was in my life? she thought, guilt nudging her. She made a mental note to ask Lena what school she had been attending. Next time, I’ll find out, she promised herself
