Jake Walker didn't look back when he left church that night.
He didn't want to admit he was curious.
Or moved.
Or anything.
By the time he reached the old apartment building, his guard was already up again.
Inside, the TV blared. A beer bottle rolled under his shoe. His mom was asleep on the couch, and his stepdad's voice came from the kitchen — sharp, irritated.
"Out again?" he snapped. "You keep this up, you're gonna end up just like your father."
Jake didn't answer. Didn't react.
He'd heard worse.
He shut his bedroom door and leaned against it, finally letting his shoulders drop.
His room was small and quiet — the only place that didn't demand anything from him.
He emptied his pockets... and froze.
A small bookmark.
White, with neat handwriting:
You are never unseen.
Hannah's.
Jake stared at it, something unfamiliar tugging at his chest.
Annoying.
Confusing.
He placed the card on his nightstand carefully — too carefully — and lay back on his bed.
He closed his eyes, trying to forget the way she sang.
But he couldn't.
Not tonight.