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My cell phone buzzes as soon as I drop onto the cushion, and I quickly rush to pull it out of the pocket of my acid-washed denim jacket.

Cal: Evie, you can’t keep ignoring me.

Me: Says who? I am perfectly able to keep you in limbo.

Cal: Purgatory is better than silence.

Cal: I miss talking to my sister. You didn’t even message me that you were settled in. Mom had to tell me.

Guilt gnaws at me, twisting my stomach in knots. I should’ve at least told him I was safe. My brother deserves better than the sister he unfortunately got.

Cal: Don’t you dare blame yourself.

Me: I’m not.

How the fuck did he know?

Who am I kidding? Cal always knows.

Cal: I didn’t tell you so you’d feel guilty, Evie.

Cal: I…

The chat bubble appears and disappears numerous times before stopping entirely.

Me: I know Cal. It’s why I’m struggling with all of this. I promise we’ll talk soon. I just…

I just need more time. Please give me that.

Cal: It’s not your fault, Eva Rose!

Oh, he’s shouty mad. That’s never good.

Me: How can I not?

I grit my teeth before I respond.

Me: Even if you didn’t say anything. I was her friend, and I was nowhere to be found the night she took her life.

Me: My best friend is gone, and I need to accept that.

He’s still responding when I hear, “Eva Rose Pierce.”

“That’s me,” I shout far louder than I intended.

Rising, I slide my phone back into my pocket. I can finish my conversation with him later, but right now, I need to clear my head and focus.

Groveton wasn’t my dream. It was the dream of a dear friend.

Reaching up to my collar, I rub my half of our friendship necklace as I approach the tall, burly man standing behind the desk.

I plaster on a smile, hoping it will soften him enough to let me make the switch. It’s important I do.

This is for you, Fah.

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