Ash's POV
"I'm not about to cry," I said quietly, rubbing my eyes. "I'm just… thinking if he's okay."
She cut me off. "Hey, stop. You'll make yourself sick. Overthinking won't make him show up faster."
I nodded weakly.
June gave me this soft, tired smile, the kind that tried to reassure even when she didn't believe it herself.
Then she stood up, brushing dust off her jeans.
"I'll go check on Alia," she said. "Don't stay stuck in your head too long. It's loud in there."
"Yeah," I said quietly. "I know."
She squeezed my shoulder. "Try not to spiral while I'm gone."
"No promises."
June stopped by the door and turned back. "Ash, he'll come back. I don't know how or when, but he will. You two are like…" she waved her hands, "….you know, those tragic movie couples that refuse to stay apart even when the universe tells them to. Just… don't lose yourself waiting for him, okay?"
Her voice trembled just a little. She forced a smile before I could say anything.
