Ava

I hadn’t slept all night.

No matter how many times I closed my eyes or shifted positions, sleep just wouldn’t come. My mind wouldn’t stop racing—memories, thoughts, regrets, everything spiraling through my head like a storm I couldn’t quiet.

So I just lay there, still as stone, eyes fixed on the ceiling, pretending to sleep in the darkness.

Then I heard the soft creak of the door opening. Footsteps. Familiar. Careful. My mom.

I didn’t move.

She came closer and sat on the edge of the bed. I could feel her presence without opening my eyes. Her fingers brushed softly against my face, then ran through my hair, tucking...