The walk back from Trent's place was quiet. My head was still buzzing from everything we'd talked about—Val, the master's, the distance, the fears I couldn't quite admit to myself out loud. But by the time I got to my street, I'd managed to tuck most of it away.
What I didn't expect to see was Val's SUV already parked in front of my apartment.
She was supposed to be with her dad most of the day, sorting out whatever "preparations" meant in her world. Forms, letters, maybe a stern lecture. I hadn't thought she'd beat me back here. And yet there it was, her shiny black SUV angled perfectly into the curb like it owned the space.
Something twisted in my stomach—not dread, not excitement, just… something.
I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
