(Michelle's POV)
My bedroom was unusually when I came back up after dinner.
That kind of quiet that doesn't feel empty — just still.
Just waiting.
I closed my bedroom door and leaned against it, letting my breath finally escape my chest.
Kate's words earlier this afternoon still echoed in my head, and I feel thankful.
She left with one last look — the kind that said she believed in me, even when I wasn't sure if I did.
And now—
It was just me.
And the aftermath.
I sat on the edge of my bed and stared at my hands.
They were steady.
Finally.
For the first time since the lab exploded, since Lara's voice cracked into something sharp and bleeding, since Steven stepped in front of me like a shield he didn't plan to be—
My heart felt… lighter.
Not okay.
Not healed.
But lighter.
Because guilt and innocence can coexist.
Guilt for hurting someone,
Innocence for never meaning to.
I exhaled slowly, letting the thoughts settle.
Lara's pain was real.
