Chapter 15. What’s the Worst That Could Happen

2014

Amelia’s POV

The scent of roasted garlic and butter wafted through the air as Mom’s cheerful voice punctuated the comforting ambiance of home. Dinner at the kitchen table with mum was supposed to be grounding, a ritual that gave some semblance of normalcy in this chaos called life. But tonight, my focus was elsewhere, orbiting the scene I couldn’t shake from my mind—Adrian, his bright smile, and the way I’d all but wiped it away with my words.

Why did I act that way? The question gnawed at me, leaving no room for the calm I desperately needed.

“…And just when I think the shift couldn’t get any crazier, Dr. Jones shows up, flustered, claiming there’s been a mix-up with the tests,” Mom said, laughing softly.

I forced a smile, barely catching her words. “Sounds… eventful,” I murmured, absently twirling my fork.

Mom’s gaze lingered on me, sharp and discerning. “Honey, is everything alright? You’ve been quiet lately.”

Busted. T