Both paths keep moving.
Cole already has his phone out, his thumbs moving before I register what he's doing.
"What did you send?"
He turns the screen.
The group chat.
Maya's father found her on campus. We need people around. Come to Elm House tonight.
The text is already delivered.
My private nightmare is in Cole's words now, sent from Cole's phone, turned into a summons before I decide who is allowed to know.
My jaw locks so hard pain sparks behind my molars.
"You could have asked me before you sent that."
Cole's thumb stills over the screen. It hovers there, ready to send another message, to move another piece into place before I ask for anything.
Then his face changes.
"You're right," he says. "I should have."
The apology is immediate and genuine, and it almost makes it worse because his thumb is still near the screen.
They're already coming.
Adrian and Clara arrive first.
Adrian asks me three questions before he takes off his coat.
"What does your father look like? What kind of car does he drive? Who else on campus should know his face?"
He gives me tactical precision and a hard, steady stare, and for once, nobody reaches for the soft voice people use when they think you're about to crack.
"The athletic department has a direct line to the campus police chief," Adrian says. "They coordinate on game days. Tomorrow's regional final means security is already doubled at the rink. One conversation with Addison, and your father's face is flagged at every entrance."
His phone is in his hand, thumb moving toward Addison's contact.
"Adrian."
My voice stops him.
"I'll tell you when to make that call."
Adrian's thumb stops above the screen. The look he gives me lasts two seconds. Then he nods and puts the phone on the table.
"Your call."
My fingers loosen around the edge of my mug.
"Make it," I say.
Clara is already on her phone. "I'm pulling the campus safety protocol. Title IX has a formal threat report that can trigger independent security measures. I spent two years at a DV legal clinic, so I know which forms matter. Adrian can call Addison. I'll handle the Title IX coordinator."
Declan arrives with Talia.
