r y

I had loved

ming athlete, the one everyone

o attentive, so car

oed in my mind, tw

n bed, the role-play scena

s just him, his wa

tion dawned. He was filmi

surfaced. "Ethan and Chloe are so cl

then. Now, it felt

to her. A twisted, possessive loy

dorm, my body numb, my

s cruel words, Chloe's smi

ing, the humiliation and betr

out. I couldn

tationed overseas on a highly sens

had

ecure line, my f

. Once.

ything alright?" My mo

f communication window h

t of tears and pain. The photos

e," I choked out. "

nternational policy fellowship near their current posting.

Mom, Dad, I want

e, firm and reassuring. "We' ll arrange

almost buckled my kne

kly, efficiently. They wo

g up, my phon

ha

eaped into

d curiosity, some desperate need to he

those photos. Are you okay? I can't

ed with fake conc

ued, his tone earnest. "I know yo

. He believed me? He w

throwing a small get-together tonight at the frat house. She wants to

ogize? After wha

trap. I

rt that still couldn't believe the Eth

know, Ethan,

me? For Chloe? It' l

ight. The wor