Sienna

The house was quiet — too quiet — except for the ticking wall clock and the hum of the air conditioner. My phone screen glowed faintly under my blanket as Jaxon’s message popped up:

Jaxon: Can I come over?

My heart skipped a beat. I stared at the message, reading it over and over. Every part of me screamed yes. I typed fast:

Me: Come quietly. The door’s not locked.

I pressed send, then froze when I heard it — the soft creak of my parents’ bedroom door opening.

My stomach dropped. I quickly texted again, hands shaking.

Me: Abort. Dad’s awake.

I shoved the phone under my pillow,...