MARKS

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room.

I woke up feeling a strange mix of emotions—guilt, confusion, and an overwhelming sense of regret. My body was aching and mind was still foggy from the events of the previous night, but as the memories slowly resurfaced, my heart began to race.

I pushed myself up from the bed, the sheets tangled around my legs. I went to the bathroom to throw some cold water on my face because it felt like I was burning. The water did little to nothing to make me feel better, but when I saw my reflection in the mirror I let out a scream.

Blue and red spots were scattered all aroundy neck and chest, big and small. I threw some water and tried wiping them off with the help of towel thinking they were not real. How could they be? The hickies Camilia had shown me proudly after her first night with Phineas were nothing like those.

How had I let things go so far? I had promised myself that I would keep my distance, th