The house was quiet the next morning, but not in the same heavy way as before. It felt more careful, like everyone was trying not to step on something fragile.
Violet noticed it immediately.
Her mom didn’t bring anything up at breakfast. No comments, no questions, just a soft “eat before you leave” and a glance that lingered a little longer than usual.
It wasn’t perfect.
But it wasn’t judgment either.
And for now, that was enough.
School, on the other hand, didn’t bother pretending.
The moment Violet walked in, she felt it again. Not as sharp as yesterday, but still there. People knew. People always knew.
Only this time, she didn’t shrink from it.
She walked like she belonged there.
Because she did.
“Okay, I’m proud of you,” her best friend said, falling into step beside her.
“
