THE CLOSED CASE

THERE'S NO PLACE SAFE

After lectures, Kira sat quietly at the sit-out with Xeida, headphones on, eyes drifting across her textbook. Across campus, Jason, Jasey, and Nicole studied at the cafeteria, tension thick between the pages.

“We’ve got to ace this test,” Nicole said, snapping her textbook shut. “No internship, no future.”

Jason stared blankly at his notes.

“Your head’s not in the game,” Jasey said, watching him. “What’s going on?”

“I’m fine,” Jason replied, voice flat. “It’s just the timing. Kira won’t have lectures then—she’ll be home. Leaving her alone doesn’t sit right.”

“Xeida will be with her,” Nicole offered, trying to reassure him.

Jason nodded slowly. “Good. Let’s keep going. Night prep’s at 6:30, and he’s throwing in a pop quiz.”

Jasey forced a smile and flipped the page.

---

**Later That Evening**

“Jason, I need your help,” Xeida said, panic rising in her voice. “She’s not calming down. She won’t listen to me.”

Jason took a breath, steadying himself. “Say this to her: ‘You’re safe. I’m here. I’ve got you. No one’s coming. No one will hurt you. Trust me.’ Say it exactly. I’m on my way.”

“Thanks,” Xeida said, ending the call. She repeated the words softly, and slowly, Kira’s breathing eased. She fell asleep.

---

**STUDENT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT**

**~VICE CHANCELLOR~**

*NO LECTURES TOMORROW. MR. DAVID DANIELS IS VISITING. ALL FEMALE STUDENTS AND VULNERABLE MALES ARE ADVISED TO REMAIN INDOORS UNTIL 7:00 PM. THANK YOU.*

“That’s serious,” Nicole said, reading the message. “Jason, will you be with your sister tomorrow? I think she’ll need you.”

“I’ll try,” Jason replied, already standing. “She’s probably waiting at the gate.” He walked off without another word.

---

**KIRA’S ROOM**

#kira#

*Mom? Are you there? Someone’s stalking me. I’m freaking out.*

#mrs John#

*I’m sorry, dear—the line’s breaking. I’ll call you back.*

*Call ended.*

Jason stepped into the room, hesitant.

“I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to check on you… or ask what you want to eat before your next lecture.”

Kira looked up, startled. “Jeez, Jay—what’s wrong? You okay? You look… timid. Are you sick? Did I do something?”

She reached out to touch his forehead, but he stepped back.

“I’m fine. Just answer the question, please. And… don’t yell at me. I’m begging you.”

Her hand dropped slowly, eyes wide.

“Why are you scared of me all of a sudden? Talk to me.”

Jason said nothing. Just stepped back again.

“Fried chicken,” she finally whispered.

“Thank you,” he said, and left.

---

**PHONE CALL – MRS. JOHN**

#jason#

“Hi Mom. Good afternoon.”

#mrs John#

“What’s good about it, Jason? You can’t even protect your sister.”

#jason#

“I’m trying my best, Mom. Should I kill myself for her? You’re making me fear her. Don’t you see that?”

#mrs John#

“We sent you both to the same school for a reason. A reason you swore to uphold.”

#jason#

“I’m keeping it. I can’t be there every second, but when I am, I make sure she feels safe.”

#mrs John#

“Your best isn’t enough!”

#jason#

“My best is mine—not yours. I know when I’ve given it. Good day.”

He ended the call, threw the phone to the floor, and walked out of the unit toward his place of peace.

*Click.*

The sound of a camera shutter echoed.