ARIA’S POV

When I heard the news of Mom’s death, I was speechless. I couldn’t help but cry loudly, with no one around to comfort me.

Harper still wasn’t home, and she wasn’t answering my calls. I hoped nothing had happened to her too because I couldn’t bear another loss. I had been alone for four days and didn’t even know how to cook, so I had been surviving on snacks and fast food.

I picked up my phone and called Harper again through my tears. Fortunately, she answered.

“Yeah, Aria, what’s wrong?” she asked. It sounded like she was outside somewhere busy.

“Harper, we’re in trouble,” I said, my...