ASHLEY’S POV
My stomach felt tight, like it was full of stones instead of hunger
But all it took was one look at the food in front of him, and suddenly I wasn’t there anymore.
I was back there.
*flashback*
High school cafeteria. The air smelled of fries, ketchup, and perfume - too sweet, too heavy. I was sitting alone at a corner table with my lunch tray. The noise around me was a mix of laughter, trays clattering, and the squeak of sneakers.
My heart beat too fast as I unwrapped my sandwich. I could already feel eyes on me.
I took one bite, trying to pretend I didn’t notice. But then I heard it.
“Oh my god, look at her.”
That voice. It was Kathy.
She was at the table across the room with her group of her posse and the cheerleaders, the perfect ones. Their hair was glossy. They
