Zaria's feet hit the cold pavement with a rhythmic thud, each step marking a countdown. The world is blurry too bright, too loud, too real. But it's easier this way. The noise drowns out the voices in her head, the ones that demand her attention.
She doesn't need to hear them today. Today, she has a mission. She has to be someone else. The girl with a smile, the girl who doesn't let her mind break apart in front of anyone.
Her phone buzzes in her pocket. It's a message from Tessa, a friend she hasn't seen in weeks.
"You coming to the party tonight? Everyone's asking about you."
Zaria rolls her eyes, stuffing the phone back into her pocket without replying.
She doesn't want to go. She doesn't want to pretend. She doesn't want to act like everything's fine.
But that's the game, isn't it? Pretend. Play along.
She rounds the corner of the street and steps into the coffee shop, the bells above the door ringing softly. The smell of roasted beans and sugar greets her, a familiar comfort. She knows the barista by name. He always asks if she wants the usual.
It's like a script she can follow.
She forces a smile.
The barista Jace smiles back at her.
"You sure you want the usual today? You don't look like you're feeling it," he says, his tone gentle but probing.
Zaria stiffens.
"No, I'm good. Just the usual, thanks," she mutters, her voice flat. She doesn't want to talk. She doesn't want anyone to ask.
He seems to read her better than she'd like. "You know… you don't have to hide it from me. If you need someone to talk to..."
"I'm fine," Zaria interrupts, her voice sharper than she intended. Her chest tightens, and the heat of shame crawls up her neck. She looks away, blinking rapidly to push back the threat of tears.
Jace doesn't press her. He just nods and makes her coffee with quick, practiced hands. He knows when to speak and when to remain silent.
When he hands her the cup, he gives her a small, almost unnoticeable smile.
"Take care of yourself, Zaria."
She doesn't respond. She just nods, turning on her heel and leaving the coffee shop, clutching the cup like it's a lifeline.
The demons are back.
They're always there, just beneath the surface, waiting for a moment of weakness. The voices she can't shake, the shadows that crawl under her skin. Today, they've grown louder.
She needs to keep moving. She can't stop. Not today. Not ever.