KAIRA

The car pulled up to Jessica's house, and I thanked the driver before stepping out. The cool evening air hit my face, and I clutched the envelopes tighter against my chest as I walked toward the gate.

The moment I entered the compound, different aromas hit me all at once. Something sweet and spicy, something savory, something that smelled like freshly baked bread. My stomach growled despite everything that had just happened, despite the fact that food was the last thing on my mind.

I looked around for Jessica or her mom, but the compound was quiet. The lights were on in the main house, but I didn't see...