Abby The interview comes to an end, and I let out a sigh of relief, feeling a mix of emotions. It went well, and I managed to stay true to myself. Mr. Thompson approaches me with a warm smile. “Abby, you did great out there,” he says. “Your kind words and forgiveness towards Daniel were truly co
Karl Shana and I are strolling through the paths of the local botanical garden. It’s a nice, sunny day, the perfect day for a second date. Figuring that it was best if we got to know each other a little more before the Alpha gathering, I decided to invite Shana out for a couple of hours. But as
Shana blinks, clearly taken aback by my openness. She seems pleasantly surprised but doesn’t comment further on the matter. Instead, she smiles warmly and nods. “Okay. I’ll keep that in mind.” As we continue our quiet walk through the garden, I can’t help but wonder if I’m finally letting go of
Abby It’s the day before the Alpha party, and I feel as though I haven’t stopped running around since the sun came up. Chloe and Leah, always my biggest cheerleaders, have also been by my side since the crack of dawn. “Abby, you should take a rest,” Leah says, gesturing for me to join her and Ch
We all turn, and that’s when I see it: Mr. Thompson at the forefront of a large group of people in uniforms. They’re carrying boxes of decorations, buckets of cleaning supplies, and all sorts of things that I can’t even recognize. “Abby!” Mr. Thompson exclaims, holding his arms out as he approache
Abby I’m standing in the kitchen, the crates of ingredients scattered around. It feels unreal, how fast everything is coming together. The bustle of Mr. Thompson’s team in the dining area seeps through the walls, and although I have an urge to go out there and try to lend a hand, I know that I’m b
Karl I’m standing outside of my brother’s room, my hand lingering in front of the doorknob. This is it. After years of being in a coma, my brother is finally awake. I take a deep breath and push the door open. And there he is, sitting up in bed. “Ethan,” I breathe, my voice catching in my thro
Abby Excitement courses through me as I fasten my pristine white chef’s coat in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom. My hair is pulled back into a neat bun, still a tiny bit damp from my morning shower. “Today is the day,” I say out loud, even though I’m completely alone in my apartmen