The bell signaling the end of the day couldn’t come fast enough. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder, weaving through the bustling halls as everyone made their way out. My feet moved on autopilot as I exited the school building, heading in the direction of Aunt Anya’s place.
But halfway there, I stopped dead in my tracks.
I couldn’t go back there. Not yet. Being alone with my thoughts would drive me insane, and Aunt Anya—with her “free spirit” attitude and revolving door of questionable boyfriends—wasn’t exactly the person to unload this insanity on.
No, I needed to talk to someone who would actually listen. Someone who wouldn’t laugh in my face or brush me off like I was losing it.
And there was only one person who fit the bill.
Tessa.
The thought clicked, and befo
