CASSIE’S POV
I heard his footsteps move away. The door didn’t close all the way.
Then his steps faded down the hallway, and after that, there was only silence.
I sat on the edge of the bed. The mattress gave way under me so softly it felt like it had been waiting for me.
I pressed my hands down on both sides and felt how good it was. Then I looked around the room again, at the warm light, the empty bookshelves, the window seat, and the garden below.
Something inside my chest opened wide. It didn’t hurt, but it felt huge. It felt like something I had kept locked away for too long had suddenly broken free. The feeling was almost too much to hold.
“Don’t you dare” Amara said.
“I’m not, I replied
“You’re about to”
“I’m holding it together”
“You are one soft pillow away from falli
