The next morning followed the same routine as countless days before. I stood before the mirror, grappling with resentment for that one mark on my skin, rolling my eyes at my self-critique. Then came the hot shower, followed by another critical examination in the mirror as I dressed for school.
However, something felt amiss since I woke up. Typically, Jared would have sent me a text by now, but my phone remained strangely silent. I had checked it at least three times already, hoping for a change, but there was nothing.
As I descended the final step of the staircase, my mom appeared from the dining room, impeccably dressed with a cup of coffee in hand and a warm smile on her face.
"You're early," she remarked after I gave her a peck on the cheek.
"Am I?" I replied with a cheeky smile bef
