Chapter 4 FOUR

The handle turned.

Amara's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't locked it.

The door creaked open, slowly, like the house itself was holding its breath. She rose from the floor, bracing herself for the moment she'd rehearsed and feared a hundred times.

But it wasn't him.

It was Levi.

For a second, she didn't move. His face was older, more tired than she remembered but the eyes were the same. Soft. Watching her carefully, as if she might shatter if he stepped too close.

Amara, he said, voice low. I didn't mean to just show up. I knocked.

I know she whispered.

I heard about Daniel, Levi added, taking a cautious step inside. From Jade. I wasn't going to come but... something told me you shouldn't be alone."

His name Daniel felt like glass in her mouth.

Amara looked away. Everyone keeps saying that. But I'm not alone. I'm just... empty."

Levi closed the door gently behind him. "That's not the same."

They stood in the quiet. The weight of unspoken history stretched between them. Levi had been her friend once-before Daniel. Before everything.

I don't know why he left, she said suddenly. There was no fight. No sign. Just gone.

Levi's jaw tightened. Sometimes people don't leave because of you, Amara. Sometimes they leave because they can't face themselves.

She didn't know what hurt more-that he left-or that someone else knew how broken she felt.

I don't need fixing, she said.

I know, Levi replied. But maybe you just need someone to sit with the pieces.