Seventeen missed calls from Mason.

Nine voice notes from Owen.

A text from Caleb: “Natalie Bennett, where are you?”

A message from Claire: “Nat? Your room is empty. Where did you go??”

There was also a message from Owen in the group chat.

“Nat is missi

“Owen asked me to tell you that your parents don’t want you staying overseas.”

Claire’s voice note arrived while I was revising the third draft of the storefront concept at work.

I ignored it.

Half an hour later, she sent another.

“Nat, I know you might still be mad,

She didn’t reply.

A while later, she wrote in the group chat, “Nat won’t give me the address. Don’t panic, Mason. Give her time.”

Give me time.

I was already gone, and she was still beside him, playing the endlessly understanding one.

Lukas tapped the desk.