Chapter 55

Bella

With the rain still pouring down, I trudged the last block to the dorm, soaked to the bone, my sueakers squelching with every step. My mind was a mess, replaying every worst-case scenario about Mom, about school, about everything fallthe apart. Tears mixed with the rain on my face. I didn’t even try to hide them anymore. By the just stood under the overhang outside the entrance, staring at the street. The thought hit just run out there, right into the path of the next car. One quick end to all this weight. My i already twitching like they might actually do it.

I reached the building

ind clear maybe I should ounded at the idea, legs

Then my phone buzzed in my pocket, loud against the drumming rain. I pulled it out with shaking fingers. Mom. A broken sob tore out of me before I could stop it. I pressed my free hand over my face, sucked in a ragged breath, and answered.

“Mom?” I whispered.

“I decided to call,” she said, her voice warm but tired. “I haven’t heard your voice in weeks. Tell me, how are you?”