#Chapter 202: A Little Space

Audrey & Edwin Audrey The cafeteria buzzed with the familiar sounds of lunchtime as I made my way through the line, tray in hand. Students passed by, groups of friends laughing and chatting, the scent of food wafting through the air. It felt surreal to be back on campus after everything that had happened—like stepping back into a world of normalcy that I had almost forgotten amongst the chaos. I didn’t even feel like I was really here, even now, but rather watching everyone else go about their lives through a pane of glass. “Well, if it isn’t the elusive Audrey Klein,” Tina said, lifting her head as I approached our usual table by the sunlit window. “We’ve been so worried about you. How are you doing?” I forced a smile, setting my tray down and sliding onto the bench next to Avis and Gavin. “I’m okay,” I said, although the words felt hollow even to my own ears. Betty’s dark eyes searched my face. “We heard about your mom. Is she…?” I swallowed hard in