ZAYN’S POV
The cane rested beside me as I sat by the pool. The gentle ripples of the water lapped against my skin as my legs dangled in the cool water. Above, the stars filled the endless black sky, scattered like pieces of a puzzle I’d never have the opportunity to solve.
The night was quiet as usual, but my thoughts weren’t. They never were. The ticking clock inside my brain never let me forget how little time I had left. No matter how tranquil the world looked, peace was just an illusion.
I rested on my arms as I leaned back and closed my eyes. The light sound of the waves brushing against the edges of the pool was almost soothing. Almost.
I didn’t notice her at first. The faint sound of her footsteps reached me just as I opened my eyes, and I turned my head slightly. I never unders
