Prologue
At the End of the Walk
They said high school was supposed to be the best years of your life—filled with laughter, friendships, and unforgettable moments. But for Louise, it was the opposite. Every morning felt like a battlefield, every hallway like a trap. She learned how to walk quickly, keep her head low, and avoid eye contact. It wasn’t because she was shy. It was because of him—Terrence—the boy who turned admiration into obsession, who thought that tormenting her was an acceptable form of affection.
But amidst the noise, the pushing, and the mocking smiles, there was one constant peace: Olivia.
Olivia, who never spoke loudly but whose actions were louder than any words. Olivia, who didn’t care about the stares, who would step between Louise and the world without hesitation. With every silent walk home, every small act of kindness, Olivia became more than just a friend. She became the safe place Louise never thought she’d find.
Yet life was never simple. Secrets don’t stay hidden forever. In a world where people are too quick to judge and too slow to understand, what happens when two hearts find comfort in each other? What happens when that comfort threatens the very foundation of their lives?
This is not a fairytale. There are no knights in shining armor. Just two girls, walking the same path, hoping one day they can walk it
freely.