Sofee had always trusted her instincts.
And right now,they were screaming.
Tye store room door stayed closed longer than it should have.when it finally opened, Zia walked out first --calm face ,steady steps .Too steady.
A few seconds later,Christopher followed.
No eye contact.
No Smile.
Like strangers.
But Sofee noticed the smallest things.
The way Zia adjusted her hair twice.
The way Christopher's jaw stayed tight,like he was holding something back.
Something....private.
At lunch,Sofee slid into the seat beside Zia."You disappeared after school yesterday.
Zia shrugged lightly."Library. "
Sofee hummed ."Funny .I was there.Didn't see you."
Zia met her gaze ,Unshaken ."Big library. "
Sofee leaned back,studying her friend .For the first time ,doubt crept in.
Across the cafeteria ,Leo watched Christopher laugh at something Ethan said .The laugh was real---but it didn't reach his eyes.
"You've changed, " Leo said quietly when the others went to get drinks.
Christopher raised an eyebrow. "In two days ?"
Leo nodded. "Yeah ."
A pause.
Then Christopher said ,gently but firmly, "Don't read into things that aren't yours to read ."
Leo smiled--hurt hidden well."I wouldn't. "
But he did.
That evening, Christopher returned home to a house that never really felt like one.
His father was in his study .His stepmother's voice floated in from the kitchen--sharp,irritated.his two step-sisters argued over something trivial.
Noise everywhere.
Peace nowhere.
He locked his door and sat on the edge of his bed .
His phone buzzed.
A message. Unknown contact .
Are secrets easier when you pretend they don't exist?
Christopher stared at the screen.
He knew who it was .
He typed back slowly.
Some secrets are the only honest thing we have.
On the other side of town,Zia read the reply and smiled--soft ,hopeful, terrified.
Outside their worlds, people were starting to notice.
And soon...questions would follow.