Chapter 5

With the SATs looming, I threw myself into studying. Every day, aside from eating and sleeping, I was buried in my books.

Ryan and Joanna's drama was like yesterday's news, drifting away from my thoughts, barely leaving a trace.

Then, one afternoon, while I was deep in practice questions, Ryan suddenly appeared at the classroom door, leaning on his crutches.

He looked even paler than before, and there was a pleading look in his eyes. "Edith, can we talk?" Ryan asked.

Everyone shot us curious looks. I frowned, got up, and followed him out.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I've…