28

Luna has the blanket over her face, so I can’t tell if she’s asleep or not. I was hoping to say goodbye. I could use a healthy dose of her encouragement this morning, but I decide to let her be. Who knows how she’ll react if I wake her a second time.

I quietly duck out of the apartment and slowly click the door shut behind me, trying not to let it squeak. I pull my phone out of my bag and text Brooks as I walk towards the tram.

By the time I reach work, my cheeks hurt from the smile that refuses to leave my face. I check my phone before putting my bag away in a locker.

On my break, I reach for my phone, hoping to have a message waiting from Brooks. I have a missed call from Mum and four unread messages.

I message Brooks first, telling him how great my first day is going. Then I message Luna asking how the game is, hoping she would tell me more about Harper. I pull the sandwich I made this morning from my bag and slowly take a bite, staring at my phone. It pings.

My heart sinks, and I throw the rest of my sandwich in the bin, instantly losing my appetite.

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