The night around us felt bigger than usual.

Cole parked at his usual spot—a hidden bend in the woods, overlooking the drop where the whole city stretched out like a blanket of lights. Cold air seeped into the half-open windows, mixing with the quiet hum of the engine cooling down. We sat on the bunk at the back of his SUV, legs stretched out, a single can of iced coffee each. Not alcohol… but it felt heavier than that.

I took a small sip, partly to steady myself, partly because silence suddenly felt too dangerous.

“It’s so peaceful here,” I murmured, my voice softer than I expected. “Like the world...