The week somehow managed to fly by and drag at the same time. I'd spent most of it avoiding everyone, finishing off some assignments, editing, and long gaming sessions where I lost myself in virtual worlds to avoid dealing with my own.
I'd a carefully curated routine of isolation, keeping myself holed up in my room and only emerging for the occasional bathroom break where I would slip in and out like a ghost before anyone could intercept me with small talk or, worse... concern.
Aunt Wendy had stopped asking if I wanted to eat downstairs and had simply started bringing my meals up to my room. I appreciated it, mostly because it meant I didn’t have to deal with expectant, worried looks over dinner. Caleb would undoubtedly sprinkle the conversation with his usual brand of biting jabs, and I
