I didn’t expect today to feel heavy.

I just wanted a break—something simple, something normal—so when Vienna texted, “Hey, quick lunch? My treat,” I said yes without thinking.

We ended up in our usual spot near campus, a small café that always smelled like warm pastries and overbrewed coffee. She sat across from me, fidgeting with her straw like it was a confession waiting to spill.

I should’ve known then.

“Laura…” Vienna’s voice came out small, almost swallowed. “I need to tell you something.”

I looked up, confused. “What’s wrong? You look like you swallowed a tax form.”

She didn’t even smile.

That scared me more than anything.

Then she...