Part 20

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Damons P.O.V.

Anna and I cruised down the winding road toward Leah's place. 

The sun was dipping low, casting a warm golden glow over everything. When we pulled up, Leah was standing right outside her house, waiting. 

She looked different somehow — not the usual guarded smile she wore around most people, but a real, soft smile that reached her eyes.

Before I could even think about what to say, she walked over and wrapped me in a quick, tight hug. It caught me off guard, but it felt good. Anna, sitting beside me, caught the whole moment and gave me that little knowing smile — the one that says she understands more than she lets on.

Leah stepped back and looked at me, her eyes searching. "You okay?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

I hesitated for a moment. It wasn't that I didn't want to answer, but some things were hard to put into words. Finally, I nodded. "Yeah. I'm okay. Just... a lot going on, you know?"

She nodded, like she knew exactly what I meant. "If you ever want to talk, I'm here. You don't have to carry it all alone."

We went inside and played video games. 

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