ROSE’S POV
I kept my head down as I walked through the school’s front doors, hoping—praying—that the universe would just forget I existed today.
The hallway was already crowded. It was a sea of backpacks and noisy chatter. Lockers slammed open and shut around me, and the faint smell of cafeteria breakfast and too much cologne hung in the air. I pulled my sleeves over my hands and moved quickly through the crowd, clutching my books tightly to my chest like armor.
Just make it to your locker. Just blend in. Don’t draw attention.
I silently recited the list of books I needed for first and second period. English. Biology. Notebook. Pen. I could almost hear my own voice whispering it in my head like a spell to ward off disaster.
I finally reached my locker. My little corner of the school.
