The next morning, the rain was gone, leaving behind that soft, damp smell that always lingered after a storm. Daisy’s sneakers scuffed lightly against the pavement as she crossed the school courtyard. The grass glistened, tiny drops sliding from the tips of the blades when the breeze moved them.

She was early. Too early.

She told herself it was because her mom had errands and dropped her off sooner than usual, but part of her knew that wasn’t the whole truth. Her eyes had scanned the benches and walkway before she’d even realized it—half-expecting to see a tall boy in a hoodie, probably sipping from a bottle of water or...