The coffee shop was half-full and loud enough that private conversation stayed private. Elena sat in the corner booth with both hands wrapped around a ceramic mug she had not drunk from in several minutes. Across from her, Jordan leaned back in the opposite seat, one ankle crossed over the opposite knee, studying her with the particular attention of someone who had known her since the first week of freshman year.

Jordan had ordered the same iced drink she always did. She had not touched it either.

“You’re different,” Jordan said.

Elena kept her eyes on the surface of her coffee. The high neck of her sweater brushed the newest...