Mia barely slept. Jake had called their dad right there behind the building yesterday. She got dragged home early, another long lecture from both parents, and Jake slamming doors all night. Ethan hadn’t texted. Again.
Now it was the next morning. She stood in the kitchen pushing cereal around in a bowl while her mom watched her.
“You don’t have to go today,” Mom said for the third time.
“I’m going.” Mia dropped the spoon. “Skipping makes it worse. Like I’m guilty.”
Dad walked in, keys in hand. “Jake’s waiting in the truck.”
“Yeah, no s**t,” Mia muttered.
She grabbed her bag and headed out. Jake sat behind the wheel, jaw tight, staring straight ahead. She climbed in.
“Jake—”
“Don’t.” He started the truck and pulled away fast. No music this time. Just dead silence for ten whole minut
