---
Midnight
Sarah stared at the ceiling, her throat raw from holding back sobs. She turned to her side and saw Adrian sleeping peacefully beside her.
I can't keep being a burden, she thought. What will people say? About me… about Mom?
Tears streamed before she could stop them. The muffled sound woke Adrian. His eyes blinked open, catching her as she quickly wiped her cheeks.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't know you were awake."
Before she could retreat further, Adrian wrapped her in his arms. Not tight—just firm, warm, safe.
"You're not in this alone," he murmured. "Don't think so much. I'm here."
Her chest cracked open. She buried her face in him and cried until the night blurred away, his arms never leaving her.
---
Morning
Sarah dragged herself downstairs, eyes swollen. Adrian's father was buttoning his shirt, ready for work.
"Good morning, Sarah," he said with a kind smile. "Breakfast is on the table. Eat with Adrian."
She tried to protest. "I could have made something—"
He waved her off. "You're part of the family now. Feel free."
Something inside Sarah stung at the word family. She thanked him softly. Adrian came down soon after, kissed his father goodbye, and they sat to eat.
On the walk to school, Adrian slipped his hand into hers. "We'll visit your mom after class. Maybe you can cook for her—make her feel at home."
Sarah shook her head gently. "I'll cook at my place. There's still food there. I don't want it to waste."
Adrian squeezed her hand, no argument, only quiet reassurance.
---
At School
The moment Sarah stepped into the hallway, whispers spread like wildfire. Pitying looks. Mocking stares. Girls huddled in corners, covering their mouths.
Her stomach twisted. Then she saw it—
A paper plastered across her locker.
"Your mom belongs in the asylum. She deserves to die."
Her vision burned red. She ripped it down, voice shaking but loud:
"Who did this?!"
The hallway froze.
Adrian stood at her side instantly. "Who did this?!" he repeated, his voice sharp as glass.
Three figures stepped forward: Rose, Kim, and Lila.
Lila smirked. "Well, everyone knows about your mom now. She tried to kidnap a child, didn't she? Maybe that's why you moved before. Kidnappers, all of you."
Sarah's blood drained from her face.
Lila pressed on, louder. "And what about Trish? You were the last one with her. She went missing after being with you. Maybe your mom sold her off to traffickers."
Gasps exploded in the crowd. Students whispered, eyes sharp, accusing.
Sarah froze, unable to defend herself, her chest collapsing.
Adrian stepped forward, voice thunderous. "Shut up! That's nonsense! Sarah's been here this whole time—if her family were criminals, do you really think they'd be dumb enough to do it here, in plain sight?"
The crowd quieted just as the principal's voice cut through the tension.
"Enough! Everyone to class. Now."
The hall broke apart, but Sarah still felt the eyes, the weight of suspicion pressing into her bones.
---