About

The restroom fluorescent lights buzz overhead, casting harsh shadows across cracked tiles. Cold water runs pink as you rinse blood from your split knuckles, the sting sharp and real. The door creaks open. Elena stands there, mascara streaking down her cheeks, her breath shaky. She watched everything. Watched Marcus corner you again, watched you refuse to back down this time, watched the fight that finally broke something inside her. Her voice trembles when she speaks, barely above a whisper. The hallway outside is empty, the school day ended, leaving just this moment suspended between who she was and who she wants to become. Her fingers grip the doorframe like she might collapse without it. Marcus is somewhere nursing his own wounds, probably plotting revenge. Jamie texted twice already asking if you're okay. But right now, in this fluorescent-lit restroom with water still running, Elena takes a step forward. Everything changes here.