Shenodded slowly.
“Good to know,” she said.
But it didn’t sound like agreement.
It sounded like acknowledgment.
ROWAN
We walked out separately.
That was important.
Even if it didn’t feel natural.
Mia caught up with me outside.
“You’re quiet,” she said.
“I’m working.”
“You’re processing.”
I didn’t deny it.
Because she was right.
Mason wasn’t the problem.
The structure around him was.
And I was part of that structure now.
My phone buzzed before I could think further.
Mason.
Mason:
That was worse than practice.
I almost smiled.
Rowan:
Yeah.
Pause.
Mason:
Don’t overthink it.
I stared at that.
Then typed:
Rowan:
