(Amara)I step into the living room beside Lillian.The moment we walk in, every conversation dies.Everyone freezes, their eyes snapping toward us as though we’ve interrupted something sacred.“Amara.” My mother walks toward us, her gaze moving between Lillian and me. “You and Lillian went out together?”“Not really,” Lillian answers before I can. “I actually ran into her at the hospital, so we decided to come back together.”My fingers curl tightly.Hospital.She said it so casually.As though I hadn’t specifically asked her not to mention where we’d met.Then, almost immediately, her eyes widen.She turns to me with an apologetic look.But it’s too late.The damage has already been done.Now they’ll ask questions.Now they’ll want answers I can’t give.“Hospital?” Mom repeats, confusion filling her voice. She quickly reaches for my hand. “Amara… what’s wrong? Are you sick? Is something happening?”I slowly pull my hand away.“No, Mom. I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”“What do yo
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