The beeping sound woke me, my eyes slowly opening as I tried to move. A sharp ache coursed through my body, making every motion a struggle. The room was silent, and for a moment, I fought to remember what had happened.
The last thing I could recall was Isabel pushing me off the balcony—then everything went blank.
“Vera,” a voice broke through my thoughts. I turned my head to see Emma sitting beside me, a novel resting in her hands, which she closed as our eyes met. She looked at me with deep sympathy. “I'm so sorry, Vera. I should have been there for you when you needed me.”
I shook my head, trying to sit up despite the pain. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I told you those girls were selfish, but you didn’t listen.”
Emma lowered her gaze, her voice trembling. “I’m sorry you had t
