NOELLE
The morning light catches on the steam rising from the pot of oatmeal I've been stirring for the last ten minutes. I scoop a generous portion into Azren's bowl and add a swirl of honey and a handful of blueberries. My hands are steady, but my chest feels heavy.
Last night replays in jagged flashes. I held Azren until the tremors eased. I stayed awake long after, stroking his hair, listening to every uneven inhale like it might be his last.
I set the bowl on the counter and wipe my palms on the apron, trying to shake off the ache that's settled in my heart. I reach for my phone on the counter and scroll down my contacts to where I saved Torres' number.
My thumb hovers for a moment. Then I tap the call button. Just as it connects, I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn to see Jak
