Chapter 67 - I have arrived

I step out of the car and thank the driver, my heart pounding in my chest. The walk from the corner of Sadie’s street to her front door feels long. I opted out of the ride from Tamrin, claiming I needed some “fresh air.” The truth is, I needed the time to breathe, to prepare myself for this.

I can see the living room lights glowing from the big window in front of Tamrin’s house. Shadows move against the curtains—laughter filters through the walls. I take a deep breath and force my feet to move forward.

I can do this. I have to do this.

When I reach the front door, I hesitate for a moment. My hand hovers over the doorbell. I hear another burst of laughter from inside. They sound so relaxed, so carefree. I’m about to step into a war zone.

Before I can ring the bell, the door swings open. Tamrin’s there, grinning at me with a cup of something in her hand.

“There she is!” she exclaims, throwing an arm around me and pulling me inside. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, and she’s already i