EMBER’S POV
I turn on the shower. The water runs cold for the first few seconds, then scalds, and I step under it and let it burn.
“Ember.” Rayana’s voice again, softer now, closer to the bathroom door. “For what it’s worth… I’m here. If you want to talk. I know we’re not—” She pauses. “I know I haven’t earned that. I know I’ve been difficult. Manipulative. Probably awful, if we’re being honest.” Another pause. “But I meant what I said about this trip. I want to learn what it is to be a good friend. Even if that starts from just being a good listener.”
Water runs down my face. Possibly tears mixed in. Hard to tell.
“I was jealous of you yesterday,” I say, and I don’t know why I’m saying it. “At the clinic. When you were delirious and calling his name and he was standing at your bedside
