VIOLET SWAN.

OREGÓN-PORTLAND.

꘎♡━━━━━━━♡꘎

The weekend had been complete chaos. In my mind, the argument Aarón and I had — about him punching Sam’s brother — just won’t stop replaying. I sigh deeply, feeling the crisp autumn air slip through my parted lips. I close my eyes for a moment, but the images rush back: his eyes locked on mine, my harsh words, the silence that followed.

I slowly shake my head, as if that motion alone could shake off everything weighing me down. I cross my arms over my chest, searching for a little warmth. The campus is wrapped in autumn’s golden and crimson hues. Leaves fall slowly, twirling through the air before piling up on the gravel paths. In the distance, trees sway gently with the breeze, and the sound of distant footsteps breaks the silence every now and then.

It’s a peaceful scene — almost dreamlike — until Tara shows up.

She walks toward me with firm steps, her boots marking the rhythm. Her h