(Scarlett’s POV)
The apartment feels different when Chloe drops us off. Quieter somehow, like the walls are holding their breath after everything that happened tonight.
I try to shake off the strange feeling that’s been shadowing since we left the university as I tell Chloe at the door, "Thank you," bouncing Lily on my hip. "For everything."
"Always." She squeezes my shoulder. "Call me if you need anything, okay? And Scarlett? Don't overthink tonight. Just... let yourself feel whatever you're feeling."
I nod, though I'm not sure what I'm feeling anymore. Relief? Confusion? Hope? It's all tangled up in my chest like knotted thread.
After Chloe leaves, I focus on the routine. Dinner first – scrambled eggs and toast because I'm too drained to cook anything complicated. Lily chatters abou
