"I vowed not to fight anymore if we survived the Great War."
Isadora Jones had always had mixed feelings about Billy Hargrove. Known for his charismatic yet brash demeanor, he attracted attention, but not all of it was positive. So, when they were...
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"ALRIGHT, WE'VE GOT SNACKS, DRINKS, AND MOVIES. ANYTHING ELSE?"
Hazel glanced around the cosy living room, ensuring everything was in place. The coffee table was laden with colourful bowls overflowing with popcorn, chips, and a medley of sweets, while various drinks lined up in neat rows, each waiting to quench their thirst. Beside them, a stack of VCR tapes towered precariously, threatening to topple at any moment. Isadora, perched on the edge of the couch, chewed thoughtfully on her fingernail, her gaze drifting over the carefully arranged snacks, lost in her own swirling thoughts.
"Nope, I think we're all set," Hazel replied, her voice upbeat, a vibrant façade that belied the underlying concern laced within it. Isadora could hear the faint tremor of worry that threaded through her friend's cheerful tone. As she took in the warmth of Hazel's efforts, a flicker of gratitude washed over her, though it struggled to penetrate the cloud of sadness hovering over her.
Taking a deep breath, Isadora made her way to the couch, where Kendra and Hazel awaited her with bright smiles that masked their concern. The three girls had decided on a girls' night—a much-needed reprieve for Isadora, who had been struggling since the chaos of the school dance and the unsettling party that followed. After weeks of isolating herself at home, retreating into her shell, she was finally ready to allow her friends back into her life, even if just for one night.
"How have you been, Isa?" Kendra asked gently, her eyes shining with concern as she leaned forward, ready to catch any hint of distress that might escape.
"Yeah, fine," Isadora shrugged, but her half-hearted reply drew worried looks from both Hazel and Kendra. They exchanged glances, silently communicating their concern. Isadora's withdrawal had not gone unnoticed; she had barely engaged in conversation for days, only leaving the house for school. Hazel and Steve had filled Kendra in on the troubling events of the party, which had left Isadora feeling exposed and vulnerable.
"You're still upset," Kendra stated softly, her voice a delicate combination of empathy and firmness, as if trying to pierce through the wall Isadora had built around herself.
