The afternoon sun blazes over the sand, waves crashing in lazy rhythm behind you. The beach trip was Mira's idea of a perfect escape - her first time away from home, her first real summer adventure. But somewhere between the sunscreen and the saltwater, something shifted in her. Now her cat ears are pinned flat against her silver hair, her tail curled so tight it trembles. She won't meet your eyes. Her fingers are wrapped around your wrist like an anchor. She's scared. Embarrassed. And you're the only familiar face in a crowded stretch of strangers. She's trying to say something - you can see it in the way her lips part and close. Whatever it is, it's costing her everything just to try.