Asena
“Are you OK, my brainy, newly-graduated goddess?” Mason asks, trying to keep his tone playful, but I can hear worries in the undertones.
He stares at me for a few seconds, smiling, before training his eyes on the road again.
I just nod, keeping my eyes on the beautiful scenery.
Mason takes my hand in his and squeezes it softly.
“Is it because your family missed your graduation?” he asks.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
Do not cry, Asena. Do. Not. Cry.
“Don’t worry, darlin’. We are going to see them tomorrow. First thing in the morning.”
But I do worry. I worry a lot. I am consumed by worry! I need to make sure my grandparents are safe.
Snippets of a conversation threaten to invade my mind, but I force them into the back of my mind. Not now, Asena! I scold myself. I
