Lia
I wake up feeling... light. It’s strange. Not euphoric or anything, but for the first time in weeks, there’s no weight immediately pressing down on my chest. Just sunlight peeking through the curtains, the faint rustle of birds outside, and my room—quiet, safe, mine.
I stretch beneath the covers, blink up at the ceiling, and let out a slow breath. Last night wasn’t some dream. I really did it. I signed up. Jenna and Sutton did too. And that walk with Mom? It felt like something shifted. Like maybe, finally, I’m taking steps toward becoming someone I’m proud of.
I reach for my phone without thinking, the muscle memory automatic. Just a quick check of the time before I get up and—
5 New Messages
Unknown Number
My finger freezes just above the screen. No. My stomach churns. I swipe,
