Rafe POV
“Good night, son. Drive safe,” my mom called as I started my truck and prepared to head home.
“Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad.”
“Love you!” Mom waved, making me smile.
“I love you both, too.”
All night, my body felt heavy, like something invisible was pressing down on my chest, crushing the air out of me. Even trying to focus on a simple conversation with my parents felt impossible—I could hear the words, but they didn’t register. My mind was somewhere else.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Mikayla. She had texted me hours ago, teasing me like the minx she is, but I hadn’t heard from her since.
I eased the truck onto the road, the quiet night pressing against the windows. The engine hummed beneath me, but it did nothing to steady the tight coil in my chest.
My thoughts kep
