CHAPTER 1: CONFRONTATION
Brynn's POV
I stirred my coffee, watching the gentle swirl until it faded into stillness. The café was loud with chatter-baristas shouting orders, laughter ricocheting off walls, the hiss and clatter of the espresso machine-but all I seemed to notice was the hollow echo inside my chest.
I hated that silence. It followed me everywhere, even here, wrapped in warmth and cinnamon air.
"Earth to Brynn," Zara teased, nudging my elbow. "Are you planning your escape or just memorizing your latte?"
I forced a tired smile. "Just trying to remember how to be normal."
Zara softened. Her teasing expression gave way to something quieter. "You don't have to bounce back all at once, you know. There's no medal for pretending."
