Chapter 41

Elvira POV

Festival Day Two. I didn’t leave my room after Kairo’s visit.

The phone he left behind was still on the bed, right where he dropped it, almost like a curse laid open, mocking me. I stared at it for hours, uncertain what to do with it. Back home, I was never allowed to touch such things—only Elyra and my step-brothers did. They knew how to use one, how to text, take photos, navigate the world with apps and smooth swipes. Me? I wasn’t even taught the basics. 

I picked it up once, pressed the side like I’d seen Kairo do. The screen flickered on, then off again. Nothing. I didn’t even know how to call someone. It felt stupid, helpless even. What would I even say if I did manage to reach him? “Hi, I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to use a cellphone ?”

I set it down.

The air