And tomorrow? We’ll do it again.
Chapter Ten
NO DIRECTION WITHOUT YOU
COLE-PAST
It’sone of those days that feels off from the start. I don’t know why—I just feel like something’s wrong. It’s not even a big thing. It’s the little things, the way the hallways seem emptier than usual, how I’m not hearing Kenna’s voice echo through the space like I usually do. I walk through the school, scanning every corner, hoping to see her. But no luck.
Even the air feels different. Like the hum of the building is lower, the lights dimmer, and the mood is a few degrees colder than usual. I tell myself it’s probably nothing. That maybe it’s just me having a weird day. Deep down, I know it’s more than that.
I don’t see her in first period. I don’t see her in second. By lunch, I still haven’t seen her, and a gnawing feeling works its way through my stomach. I’ve got this weird ache, like something’s out of place, but I can’t put my finger on it. The air feels heavier without her.
I sit down with Rina and Natalie, but all I can think about is where Kenna is. My heart races a little faster. I try to focus on the conversation, but I can’t shake the thought. Kenna. Why isn’t she here?
“Hey,” I ask, trying to sound casual, though the question weighs on me, “have you guys seen Kenna today?”
They both glance at me like I’ve got two heads. Rina frowns, looking around like she’s just realized something’s missing too.
“No,” Rina says, shaking her head. “I thought she was with you this morning. She wasn’t in any of my classes either.”
“Me neither,” Natalie chimes in. “Maybe she’s just ditching today? She’s always got her own thing going on, you know?”
I don’t believe that for a second. Kenna doesn’t skip school. She has responsibilities—too many to just blow them off for the day. “She didn’t text or anything?” I ask, but even as I say it, I know the answer.
“No,” Rina says. “I haven’t heard from her at all.”
A tight feeling presses on my chest. My fingers automatically reach for my phone, and I send her a text.
My hand is trembling a little. It’s barely noticeable, but it’s there. Like my body knows something I don’t.
Me
Where are you? You didn’t come to school today.
My thumb hovers over the send button, the worry building inside of me. I want to call her, but I don’t want to bother her if she’s busy. I stare at the screen a second too long before sending it anyway. Still, I can’t stop myself from worrying.
A few long minutes go by, and just when I’m about to get up and leave, my phone buzzes. It’s Kenna’s reply.
Sunshine
Stayed home sick.
The knot in my stomach tightens. Sick? I don’t know why, but hearing that makes everything feel heavier. Kenna sick? It doesn’t make sense. She’s always the one taking care of everyone, running on empty, but somehow she always powers through. It’s hard for me to picture her being the one in need of care.
The screen holds my focus for a moment, thumb pressing against the keyboard. Leaving it like this doesn’t sit right. Therehas to be something I can do. Making sure she’s okay matters too much to ignore.
Me
Want me to bring you anything?
It’s a simple text, but it feels like I’m trying to convey everything in one sentence.
Me
I’m here. You matter to me. You won’t have to face this on your own.
Her response is almost immediate.
