LEXIE
The next few days settled into a quiet rhythm that felt almost too comfortable. I worked my shifts at the drug store, helped Mia when the bar got busy, and tried to stay out of Raven’s way. She still watched me with those sharp eyes, but she kept her distance for now. Small victories.
One afternoon after my shift, I decided to take a longer walk through town instead of going straight back to the bar. The sun was warm on my skin, and the streets felt peaceful.
I passed the small park where kids were playing and the bakery with the smell of fresh bread drifting out and for a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to live here for real, not just hiding, but actually belonging.
I turned a corner and slowed down. Chaos was outside the bar again, working on a motorcycle in
