CASEY
I asked my mom if I should leave Blackwell. She told me to give it a few more weeks.
Just a few.
So I said okay.
But in my head, I've already set the clock. One month. That's the maximum.
Because right now, I feel like an alien. Like I've landed on a planet where I used to speak the language, but now everything's different.
Off.
And Jennifer, believe it or not, is the only person I can call friendly around me at the Blackwell company right now. She talks to me. We sit together for lunch sometimes. Sometimes she walks me out. It's not a deep friendship. But it's human. It's warmth. And right now, I take what I can get.
I can't bring myself to answer Leanna's calls. Every time I see her name flash on my screen, something in my chest tightens.
But I did text her;
[Hey. I know you want to talk. I guess there'll be a time I'll want to talk too. But not right now. I just need to figure things out. I'll call you.]
She replied almost instantly.
