chapter 41
JULIAN POLE
The first Monday back after Thanksgiving break always feels like a hangover.
The kind that doesn't hurt your head, just your sense of reality. The campus was gray and cold, leftover slush turning to ice on the sidewalks. People were back in their same hoodies, the same routines, pretending the past week didn't happen.
I tried to do the same.
Luka and Rico walked beside me toward the humanities building, arguing about a group project. My backpack felt heavier than usual, and not just because of the books. Every few steps, I caught myself checking my phone like I was expecting something.
A message from Jace.
A signal.
Anything.
Nothing came.
I changed my line like Marco told me and I texted him with the intention of him passing my number to his brother.
That's why I was waiting. But nothing came since the last time I saw him.
