Morning lights hit the sky, and Lily was grateful to finally be alone in her bedroom. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she looked at the clock—six thirty. She’d have to hurry to get to school on time.

Her high school looked different today. Maybe it was because so much had happened, or perhaps just lack of sleep, but she thought something had changed. Or perhaps it was her who had changed.

“Lily?” Her homeroom teacher called her over. “There’s a pass for you. I think you’re supposed to go to the guidance office.”

“Okay,” she mumbled, taking the slip of paper from the woman’s fingertips and ducking into the hall.

Guidance? Why guidance? Well, whatever. She went down the hallway, past that wooden chair, through the door. Deep breath.

“Lily! Oh good.” The counselor seemed happy to see her…but counselors always did. Lily didn’t trust him. “Well, how are you?”

“Fine.”

“A friend of yours seems to think you’re in trouble—something to do with a certain young man.”

Lily was silent, just breathing.