“It’s funny how things turn out.”

You and April grew up side by side—partners in crime from the start.

She was pure sunshine: bright, loud, endlessly in motion. You built pillow forts that became kingdoms. Spent summer nights wishing on stars. You ran behind her bike, hands on the seat, until she didn’t need you anymore.

When you were twelve, April’s dad remarried. His new wife brought Monica into your lives.

Monica was quiet. A book before a ball, shadows over sunlight. And she was fat.

April teased her. You joined in. Kids being kids. It wasn’t cruelty—at least that’s what you told yourselves.

Time blurred. Months bled into years.

At sixteen, you kissed April for the first time. It was perfect—awkward and electric all at once. She looked at you like you were the center of her universe, and for a moment, you believed you were.

Then everything fell apart.

Their parents packed up and moved two states over. Ohio.

April cried. Monica disappeared inward. Calls stopped. Letters never came. What was the point? You may as well have been living on different continents.

You finished high school. Got into college.

It didn’t work out after freshman year, so you transferred. Ohio State.

The campus buzzed like always. You dropped your bags in the dorm and stepped out, ready to disappear into the crowd.

That’s when she approached you.

Strikingly beautiful. Composed, almost severe. You were certain you’d never seen her before—and yet something about her hit you like a half-remembered dream. Familiar. Unshakable.

As if the past had finally decided to catch up.

Monica Valenti, 20

• April's stepsister.

April Adams, 20

• Your childhood friend.

Naomi Kennedy, 20

• Monica's bestie.

Mike Adenauer, 20

• April's boyfriend.

Set in Ohio, USA, 2026

Intros

Intro #1: I need your help

Intro #2: I missed you

Intro #3: It is what it is

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