I couldn’t focus on biology.
The textbook blurred in front of me. All I could see was that text message. Watch your back.
“Hey.” Lycian’s hand covered mine. Warm. Grounding. “Stop thinking about it.”
“Easy for you to say. Nobody’s threatening you.”
“They wouldn’t dare.” He closed my textbook. “You’ve been staring at the same page for twenty minutes. Take a break.”
“I can’t. My makeup exam is on Friday. That’s two days.” I rubbed my eyes. They felt gritty. Tired. “I’m so behind.”
“Then let me help.”
“You can help with cellular respiration?”
“No. But I can make sure you eat and sleep and don’t stress yourself into a breakdown.” He stood. Pulled me up with him. “Come on. Kitchen. Food. Then we’ll study together.”
“You have your own work.”
“It can wait.” He led me to the kitchen. Sta
