Cody’s POV
Morning light slips through the window and spreads across the room. Somewhere outside, birds chirp and a car passes slowly on the street.
I stand in front of my dresser, finishing up for school. My uniform shirt is already buttoned, and my bag is resting on the bed behind me. I open the top drawer to grab my ear pods.
My hand stops.
A thin red ribbon lies inside the drawer.
Catherine’s ribbon.
For a second, I just stare at it. Then I reach in and pick it up.
The soft fabric rests in my palm.
Immediately, my conscience starts bothering me.
I can’t believe I left her there that day.
I close the drawer slowly and lean against the dresser.
What if something bad had happened to her after I ran away?
The thought makes my chest tighten.
“Great job, Cody,” I mutter quietly.
