COLIN’S POV
Something tightens in me, slow and uncomfortable, like I just got hit with something I don’t understand but can’t ignore either, and the way they’re both reacting makes it worse.
I look between them, trying to make sense of it, but there’s nothing there, nothing I can reach, just this pressure building like I’m already behind on something important.
Whatever this is, it’s not small.
“What is he talking about?” I ask, my voice lower now, steadier than I feel, because if I don’t hold onto that, this is going to spiral.
No one answers immediately, and the silence stretches just long enough to make it clear this isn’t something small.
I turn to Nadia, focusing on her, because she’s the only one who matters right now. “Don’t shut down on me,” I say, quieter this time, but ther
